How to Grow and Care for Cardinal flower

Cardinal flower, also known as Cardinal flower lobelia, Scarlet lobelia, Red lobelia

Cardinal flower thrives in moist, well-drained soils and benefits greatly from partial to full sunlight exposure. Special care points include ensuring consistently wet soil conditions, as cardinal flower naturally grows near water sources, making drought a critical stress factor. Additionally, cardinal flower may require staking to support its tall flower spikes against strong winds. While not exceptionally complicated, cardinal flower's specific moisture needs raise its care difficulty to a moderate level.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Cardinal flower

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Moderate
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6.0-7.5
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	3-9
Toxicity	Toxic to Pets

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Varieties of Cardinal flower

Cardinal flower 'Queen Victoria'

Cardinal flower 'Queen Victoria' is an heirloom cardinal cultivar developed for its bright red flowers. Growing to an impressive 91 to 122 cm tall, this regal variant is hardy, easy to maintain and is not susceptible to many pests or diseases, making it a popular choice for easily adding color to a garden.

Cardinal flower 'Pink Elephant'

Cardinal flower 'Pink Elephant' is a striking hybrid perennial, prized for its vibrant, spire-shaped pink blossoms. It flourishes in moist, well-drained soils under full sun to partial shade, reaching up to 90 cm in height. Its lush, lance-shaped leaves encase the sturdy stems, creating an attractive background for the tubular flowers that allure hummingbirds and butterflies during summer blooms.

Lobelia 'Hadspen Purple'

Lobelia 'Hadspen Purple' have a long summer blooming period during which they boast tubular purple flowers. This semi-evergreen cultivar does well in city, courtyard, and wildlife gardens. Take care as slugs may be a problem for lobelia 'Hadspen Purple'.

Common Pests & Diseases

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Common issues for Cardinal flower based on 10 million real cases

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The Toxicity of Cardinal flower

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More General Info About Cardinal flower

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Quickly Identify Cardinal flower

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Cardinal flower is a striking herbaceous perennial known for its brilliant red flowers, which blossom along a spiked inflorescence. The plant typically reaches heights of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) tall. Each bloom comprises a two-lipped structure, characteristic of the Campanulaceae family. The bright coloration is easily visible against its lush, lance-shaped green leaves, which often cluster toward the base. These vivid blossoms and verdant foliage make cardinal flower an alluring presence in any garden setting.