Lobelia Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower is an herbaceous perennial in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) and native to the eastern United States. It is found in moist locations and may grow 4 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The common name comes from its red flowers and is in reference to the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

This plant is easily grown in rich, medium to wet soil and in part shade to full sun, although afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, and it will tolerate brief flooding. Root mulch can be applied to help retain soil moisture and to protect the root system in cold winter climates. Propagate this plant either by seed or by separating the rosettes from the parent plant in the spring. 

The brilliant red blooms of the cardinal flower first mature in late summer and continue into mid-fall. The showy flowers begin opening at the bottom of a terminal flower spike and are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. A number of hybrid cultivars of the Cardinal flower have been produced; the most popular is 'Queen Victoria' with blood-red flowers and bronze foliage.

This plant is effective in moist areas of woodland shade gardens, wet meadows or along streams and ponds. It may be used in butterfly, native, pollinator, rain and water 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 with some financial support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.

This is one of the 20 key pollinator plants that should be blooming in August for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census 2025.

Fire Risk: This plant has a medium flammability rating. 

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Snails and slugs may damage the foliage.

More information on Lobelia.