Lobelia cardinalis

Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis

Common Name: Cardinal Flower

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Blooming Time: July to September

Bloom Duration: 6 to 8 weeks

Fragrance: No noticeable fragrance

Plant Growing Habit: Upright, clump-forming

Characteristics: A striking North American native perennial known for its tall spikes of brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers held above deep green foliage. The vibrant blooms are especially attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Prefers moist conditions and is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, wet meadows, native plantings, and cottage gardens. Adds dramatic vertical colour to the late summer landscape.

Spacing: 30 to 45 cm apart

Height: 60 to 120 cm

Width: 30 to 45 cm

Maintenance Requirements: Moderate maintenance. Prefers consistently moist to wet, fertile soil and should not be allowed to dry out during hot weather. Performs best in full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in warmer regions. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage a tidy appearance and allow self-seeding if desired. Cut back old growth in late fall or early spring before new shoots emerge. Fertilization is generally unnecessary in rich soils. Hardy and well suited to Canadian gardens in Zones 3–9.

Images Courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company of Ball Seed or www.ballseed.com