Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal flower

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Native Wetland Plants

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower

More About Cardinal flower

Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower, is a relatively short-lived herbaceous perennial that grows in nice clumps from 2-3' tall and less than 1' in diameter. The stems and leaves of Cardinal Flower have a soft purplish tint with a striking red flower head which creates a wonderful flush of color along the edge of a pond, water garden, stream bank, moist meadow or boggy area.  Cardinal Flower truly brightens up a shady moist area. A must-have for a hummingbird garden or rain garden.

Bloom Color

Red

Lobelia cardinalis Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure
Sun
Partial Shade
Mature Height
2' - 4'
Spread Characteristics
Clumping
Prolific Seeder
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Summer
Fall
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Spring
Summer
Fall
Pond Zonation
Flood Plain - Upland
High Marsh - Saturated Soil
Foliage Color
Green
Wildlife Benefits
Bees/Pollinators
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW+
OBL
Plant Type
Bog/Marsh
Flowering Perennial
Marginal
Attributes
Container
Cut Flower
Drought Tolerant
Focal Point
Mass Planting
Native
Naturalizing
Ornamental Flower
Rain Garden
Storm Water Basin
USDA Hardiness Zone
3
4
5
6
7
8
9