Cardinal Flower,  Lobelia cardinalis

A sensational native perennial famous for its brilliant spikes of scarlet-red flowers, making it the top magnet for hummingbirds in the late summer garden. (Also known as Scarlet Lobelia)

Cardinal Flower is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 4 to 5 feet tall. It is easily grown in rich, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, and It will tolerate brief flooding. Although it will tolerate full sun in northern climates, it appreciates partial afternoon shade in hot summer climates of the lower Midwest and South. Root mulch should be applied in cold winter climates to protect the root system and to prevent root heaving. Mulch will also help retain soil moisture.

The leaves are alternate with a toothed margin. Brilliant red blooms first mature in late summer and continue into mid-fall. The showy flowers begin to open from the bottom of a terminal flower spike and continue to the top.

This plant is effective in moist areas of woodland/shade gardens, wet meadows, along streams or ponds, water gardens, and rain gardens. It also adds late summer bloom and height to borders as long as the soil is kept uniformly moist.

This plant was selected as the 1982, 1983, and 2001 NC Wildflower of the Year, a program managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden

Seed Germination Instructions

Cardinal Flower seeds are tiny, dust-like, and require cold-moist stratification followed by light to germinate

Winter sow or sow seeds directly outdoors in late fall or early winter (November to January). Scatter the minuscule seeds onto the surface of a prepared site that will remain constantly moist. Do not cover them. The winter cold and snow will provide the necessary stratification, and seeds will germinate in the spring.

Artificial Cold-Moist Stratification (60 Days) Place the tiny seeds on a moist (not soaking) coffee filter or paper towel. Fold it and place it in a labeled, sealed plastic bag. Store in your refrigerator for 60 days. Sow as above.

Water: Keep the soil continuously saturated. Use the bog method (sitting the pot in a tray of water) to ensure consistent moisture.

Place in a bright location. Germination is usually rapid (1-3 weeks) once the cold period is over.

🌟 Interesting Facts & Botanical Insight

Red is an unusual color in the plant world, often signaling a specialized pollinator. Unlike blue or yellow flowers that attract bees, the color red is strongly preferred by hummingbirds.

Like all Lobelia species, the entire plant is considered poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested, due to the presence of piperidine alkaloids (similar to nicotine).