Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

A top performer that is perfect for the late summer garden, Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) is a popular, upright, clump-forming perennial boasting a profusion of flower spikes densely packed with brilliant, cardinal red, two-lipped blossoms, 2 in. long (5 cm), from midsummer to early fall. Borne on erect, alternate-leafed stalks rising above a rosette of lance-shaped, glossy bright green leaves, this architectural plant adds vertical interest to the landscape. Extremely hardy, low care, and fairly pest and disease-free, Cardinal Flower tends to be short-lived, although it may self-seed in ideal growing conditions (without becoming invasive)!

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in rich, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Appreciates some shade from hot afternoon sun and loves a lot of moisture. Tolerates damp soils and poor drainage. Can be grown in water to 3 in. deep (7 cm).
• A welcomed addition to beds and borders, wild gardens, butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens and near ponds or streams.
• A magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects, it is deer and rabbit resistant.
• Deadhead for a neat appearance, to encourage rebloom or prevent any undesired reseeding. Pinch back for bushier and more compact plants. Cut back after flowering. Divide plants every 2-3 years.
• Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat as soon as ripe, or by bud cuttings in late summer.
• Native to North America.
• Ingestion may cause discomfort.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.