Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is a striking native perennial admired for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom in late summer. Often found in moist meadows and along stream banks, it offers bold color and important wildlife support.
Height & Spread: 24 - 48 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist to wet soil; thrives in rich, humusy ground
Watering Needs: High; consistent moisture is essential
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Native Status
Commonly found in wet areas throughout the eastern and central United States, plays a key role in supporting local pollinators and enhancing biodiversity.
Wildlife & Insects
Butterflies
- Visited by butterflies such as Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Great Spangled Fritillaries that seek nectar from its blooms.
Bees
- Less frequently visited by bees due to flower shape, but occasionally accessed by long tongued bees like bumblebees.
Hummingbirds
- Strongly attracts Ruby Throated Hummingbirds which are drawn to the intense red flowers and tubular form ideal for their feeding.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to ensure airflow and maintain upright growth in moist settings.
Landscape Placement
- Best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, stream banks, and moist meadows where soil remains consistently damp.
Companion Plants
- Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead) - Offers contrast in bloom shape and color while sharing a preference for wet soils.
- Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) - Vibrant and pollinator friendly, it complements the Cardinal Flower with similar height and bloom time.
- Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) - Adds lush foliage and thrives in the same moist environments as Lobelia cardinalis.
- Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) - Striking blue blooms and swordlike foliage pair well with red flower spikes in wetland areas.
- Acorus americanus (Sweet Flag) - Grasslike texture and aromatic qualities enhance the naturalistic planting around water features.