Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Photos by Lynn O'Shaughnessy
Soil type: sandy loam to loam, or organically rich gravel
Soil moisture: wet to moist (do not mulch around Cardinal Flower)
Sun: full sun to partial shade
Natural habitat: wet prairies, floodplains, marsh, stream, river banks
Tolerates: deer, rabbits, wet soil, partial shade, and planting near Black Walnut trees
Height/Spread: 2'-3' tall x 1'-2' wide
Bloom time: July - August
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Noteworthy: A stunningly beautiful hummingbird magnet. Needs constant moisture, excellent choice for rain gardens and other moist soil settings. Short lived perennial, individual plants will die off in 2-3 years, but are replaced in the stand by new seedlings.