Lobelia cardinalis

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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.

Similar plants:

• Lobelia erinus (Bellflower)
• Lobelia laxiflora, Lobelia mexicana (Mexican Cardinal Flower, Mexican Lobelia)
• Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia, Blue Cardinal Flower )
• Lobelia sp. (Lobelia, Asthma Weed, Indian Tobacco, Pukeweed,Cardinal Flower)
• Lobelia tupa (Devil's Tobacco, Tupa)
• Lobelia x gerardii (Hybrid Lobelia)