Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) with a dense vertical cluster of slender, vibrant red flower petals.

Botanical name: Lobelia cardinalis

Common name: Cardinal Flower

Family: Campanulaceae

Origin: Southeast USA

USDA Zone: 3-9

Plant form: Small

Mature height: 2-5 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.

Watering: Regular; keep soil moist

Flower color: Red, crimson, vinous

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Irritating or toxic: Toxic plant/plant part

Flood tolerance: High

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly called Cardinal Flower, is a small shrub native to Southeast USA. It grows between 2 and 5 feet high with brilliant red, crimson and vinous flowers. It is easy to take care of and requires full sun to semi-shade position. It also needs to keep its soil moist and benefit from regular waterings. Cardinal flower is a spectacular show along the edge of a pond or water garden.

Cardinal flower requires moist soil. It can even tolerate flooding but not drought. This plant has used for ethnomedical purposes and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Hence, making it a great landscape feature. Great for mass plantings.

It is essential to keep in mind that is native plant to the Southeast USA is poisonous or toxic. Therefore, Cardinal Flower has to be handled with care, especially for those who have kids or animals in the house. Furthermore, a mature plant is cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time.

Cardinal Flower can be grown in pots in cold regions. For pot growing, its moist but well-drained soil and regular watering are a must. And, it will thrive if planted in the right environment under the full sun. Keep the plant well-trimmed to encourage new growth.

Cardinal Flower is not just a beautiful garden plant, it also has some medicinal uses and a good butterfly-attracting feature. Despite its toxicity, it is worth growing for such exceptional qualities.