Cardinal Flower is an upright native herbaceous perennial with erect stalks of cardinal red tubular flowers that bloom late in summer above the dark green lance shaped leaves. Prefers afternoon shade and moist to wet well-drained soil. Foliage is highly toxic if ingested.
Lobelia cardinalis acts as a native host for several species of butterflies, and the nectar as a food source for hummingbirds and Swallowtail Butterflies.
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Type:
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Perennial
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Origins:
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East and South N.A, Central A.; GA Native
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Height:
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2' - 4'
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Spread:
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1’ - 2'
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Spacing:
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1.5'
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USDA Hardiness Zone:
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3 - 9
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Culture:
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Full Sun, Part Sun
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Bloom Color:
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Red
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Season of Interest:
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Summer, Fall
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MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Water Regularly, do not let soils dry out. Mulch in cold winters to prevent root upheaval. Watch for snails and slugs.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Water Gardens, Ponds and Streams, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Bonset, Sneezeweed, Swamp Milkweed
IMAGE: R. A. Nonenmacher, Lobelia cardinalis SCA-8365, CC BY-SA 4.0
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.
