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Lobelia cardinalis is one of the showiest native wildflowers, and an ideal candidate for both natural landscapes and more formal gardens. While the shoots can grow up to 4’ tall, even mature plants stay in manageable clumps, needing only 2’ of space. Traditionally a wetland plant, Cardinalflower can be found wild in submerged creeks, but will do fine in average well-draining soils, and the deep roots help it withstand periods of drought. Cardinalflower can tolerate full sun if well watered, but grows fine in other soils in part-sun to dappled shade. It performs very well in rain gardens and can be a fantastic container plant. One of the best features are the vibrant scarlet red flowers, beginning bloom in July and continuing for up to 6 weeks or more, sometimes into September. In ideal conditions, Cardinalflower can easily reseed, but is also easy to move and transplant if desired.
With its bright red color and long, tubular flowers, Lobelia cardinalis is distinctly a plant for hummingbirds and butterflies. Its peak bloom period coincides with hummingbird nesting and migration periods in the Eastern US, and it is one of our most popular perennials with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Cardinalflower is also a great choice for butterfly species, as only long-tongued insects are adapted to reach the floral rewards easily. When paired with open, shorter flowers like Mountain Mints and Coreopsis, these plants can provide a full complement of options for a diverse range of pollinators.
Pollinators: bumblebees, sweat bees, butterflies, hawkmoths, moths, flower flies
Host Plant for Butterflies/Moths: 6+ species of moths in our region, including the Pink-washed Looper Moth (Enigmogramma basigera)
Wildlife Value: Hummingbirds, Songbirds, Thrushes, Wood Warblers, shelter
Deer Resistance: Very Good
Native Region: Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Seed Origin: Ashe County, NC
Ecoregion: 66 - Blue Ridge
Light Recommendation: Full Sun, Part Sun, Dappled Shade
Soil Moisture Recommendation: Medium-wet, Moist, Medium
USDA Zones: 3-9
States found in our region: AL, DE, GA, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Other states found: AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, RI, TX, UT, VT, WI
