Upright stems brilliant red flowers in late summer. A favorite source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Wetland, Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Red
Fall Color:
Hardy From Zone:
Hardy To Zone:
?
Hardiness Zones
as defined by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map; (hardiness zones are not recorded for all Grow Native! plants)
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Hummingbird
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, Butterfly / Moth Nectar
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
24 to
48
inches
Spread:
12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
48
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
48
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Provides late summer bloom in the perennial border, wild garden, native plant garden or woodland garden. Excellent for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Very happy near ponds or streams.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows well in standing water or average garden soil. Tolerates full sun to part shade. Short-lived perennial.
Special Features
Special Usage
Rainscaping, Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.