Red Cardinal Flower

Red Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis

 Red Cardinal Flower is native to Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This flower does well in wet soils around ponds, lakes, streams, and bogs. It can tolerate full sun but does better with shade. Cardinal flower can be found adding color to the wetlands. This flower does well where humid conditions are available. It can grow up to four feet and two feet wide. It has the botanical name Lobelia Cardinalis.

More people are finding this plant popping up in herbal stores. The leaves can be ground down to help with stomach issues, syphilis. One can also use this plant as a substitution for tobacco products. It grows in different colors such as red, pink or white. It can be seen growing during June, July through September. It can be blended in with other plants or stand out as a focal point. This is one of the most beautiful wetland plants available. 

The red cardinal flower is a beautiful, vibrant wildflower that is native to eastern North America.

Hardy and resilient, the cardinal flower can be an excellent addition to any garden, provided that it is planted and cared for correctly.  Cardinal flowers should be planted in full sun or locations with morning sun and afternoon shade. They grow best in fertile, wet soil so creating a mixture that is equal parts soil and compost is recommended for planting. 

The hole for planting should be twice the width of the roots and deep enough to cover the roots completely. The holes should be approximately one foot apart from each other. After placing the plant inside the hole, your compost/soil mixture should be tamped in around the roots. 

 It is crucial that these plants are kept in very moist soil during the growing season, although the plant prefers drier soil during the cold winter months. Mulch can be placed around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

Red Cardinal Flower for sale online at Perennial Nursery

Red Cardinal flower ship bare root from March through late October.

 Climate Zone: 3 to 9

Mature Height: 2 to 4 Feet

Mature Width: 1 to 2 Feet

 Sunlight: Prefers Full Sun to Partial Shade

 Soil Conditions: Prefers Medium Moisture to Wet Soil

 Botanical Name: Lobelia cardinalis

FAQ

1. Does Red Cardinal Flowers spread?

A. Red Cardinal Flower forms clumps, and new plants may emerge from the seeds in favorable growing conditions. However, it tends to stay in the vicinity of its original planting, and its spread is generally manageable.

2. Do Red Cardinal Flowers bloom all summer?

A. Red Cardinal Flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall.