Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

Native perennial • Brilliant red blooms • Hummingbird magnet

Lobelia cardinalis produces vivid red flower spikes loved by hummingbirds and butterflies. Thrives in moist to wet soils and adds dramatic vertical color to ponds, rain gardens, and native forest edges.

 Light

• Full sun to part shade
  
  

• In the deep South: morning sun + afternoon shade is ideal
  
  

• More sun in northern climates is fine
  
  

Best bloom with at least 4–6 hours of direct light.

 Water

• Prefers consistent moisture
  
  

• Thrives in wet soils
  
  

• Ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and moist woodlands
  
  

• Do not allow long dry periods
  
  

Consistent moisture is the key.

 Soil

• Clay, loam, or silty soils
  
  

• Performs exceptionally well in wet clay
  
  

• Rich, organic soils encourage continuous bloom
  
  

 Hardiness

• USDA Zones 3–9
  
  

• Excellent for Southeastern humidity
  
  

•  Blooming

• Mid-summer to fall
  
  

• Intense hummingbird attraction
  
  

• Supports:
  
  

  • hummingbirds (major)
    
    

  • swallowtails
    
    

  • butterflies
    
    

  • native bees
    
    

One of the BEST hummingbird natives available.

 Growth Habit

• Upright spikes 2–4 ft
  
  

• Clumping habit
  
  

• Readily reseeds in moist areas
  
  

• Moves around naturally like a woodland wildflower
  
  

• Not aggressive but creates beautiful colonies
  
  

Planting Notes

Depth:

• Plant crown level
  
  

Spacing:

• 12–18 inches
  
  

Allow reseeding to build natural drifts over time.

 Best Landscape Uses

• Rain gardens
  
  

• Pond edges
  
  

• Moist woodland borders
  
  

• Pollinator gardens
  
  

• Hummingbird habitats
  
  

• Container bogs
  
  

 Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Swamp Milkweed
  
  

• Blue flag iris
  
  

• Joe Pye Weed
  
  

• Hibiscus moscheutos
  
  

• Eupatorium perfoliatum
  
  

• Cardinal flower + swamp rose mallow = unbeatable display
  
  

•  Native Value

One of the top hummingbird-native plants available in the Southeast. Feeds pollinators mid-late summer when resources begin declining.

⚠ Common Problems

No bloom

Needs more sun.

Wilting

Not enough water.

Dying back in winter

Normal, returns from the crown or seedlings.