Melinda Myers

Cardinal Flower

Botanical Name

Lobelia cardinalis

Hardiness

Zones 3 to 9

Height

3 to 4 feet

Width

2 feet

Flowers

Early to late summer: red, pink, white, salmon, cream

Light

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Moist, well-drained, rich

Planting & Care

• Cardinal flower prefers part shade, but tolerates full sun where grown in cool summers
• This plant needs consistent moisture, apply a layer of organic matter as a mulch to retain soil moisture
• Self-sows readily, but because it is a somewhat short-lived perennial, this is an asset
• In spring or fall divide basal rosettes that form around the base of the parent plant
• Pinch back plants for sturdier stems and bushier growth
• Cut plants back in spring

Problems

None serious

Varieties

• Alba - white flowers
• Rosea - pink flowers
• Angel Song - salmon and cream flowers
• Arabella's Vision - bright red flowers