Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal Flower brings a flash of intense color to the garden when summer's at its height. The tall spikes of glowing red flowers are unlike anything else in the prairie plant palette—so vivid they almost look electric. Cardinal Flower is a magnet for hummingbirds, which are drawn to its vivid red blooms like no other. The plant has evolved specifically for hummingbird pollination—bees can’t see red, so the color serves as a visual cue just for birds. Cardinal flower loves moisture and thrives in rain gardens, wet meadows, streambanks, or any consistently damp area.

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Medium to wet; prefers rich, moist soils but tolerates clay
Height: 2–4 feet
Spread: 1–1.5 feet
Zones: 3–9
Bloom time: July through September

Blooms Alongside:  swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)