Lobelia Species, Cardinal Flower, Red Lobelia
Lobelia cardinalis
Family: | Campanulaceae (kam-pan-yew-LAY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Lobelia (low-BEE-lee-a) (Info) |
Species: | cardinalis (kar-dih-NAL-iss) (Info) |

Category:
Perennials
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Smooth
Textured
Foliage Color:
Orange/Apricot
Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F)
USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F)
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
Red
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are showy
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing the rootball
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Auburn, Alabama
Decatur, Alabama
Houston, Alabama
Barling, Arkansas
East Shore, California
Hamilton Branch, California
Knights Landing, California
Long Beach, California
Westwood, California
Hamden, Connecticut
Monroe, Connecticut
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Keystone Heights, Florida
Lutz, Florida
New Port Richey, Florida
Oldsmar, Florida
Trenton, Florida
Cordele, Georgia
Cornelia, Georgia
Dallas, Georgia
Milledgeville, Georgia
Algonquin, Illinois
Cherry Valley, Illinois
Divernon, Illinois
Downers Grove, Illinois
Frankfort, Illinois
Machesney Park, Illinois
Mackinaw, Illinois
Midlothian, Illinois
Hobart, Indiana
Jeffersonville, Indiana
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa(2 reports)
Indianola, Iowa
Sioux City, Iowa
Yale, Iowa
Derby, Kansas
Olathe, Kansas
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Louisville, Kentucky
Homer, Louisiana
Madison, Maine
Skowhegan, Maine
Hughesville, Maryland
Parkville, Maryland
Valley Lee, Maryland
Boston, Massachusetts
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Palmer, Massachusetts
Reading, Massachusetts
Townsend, Massachusetts
Hastings, Michigan
Mason, Michigan
Tecumseh, Michigan
Natchez, Mississippi
Ballwin, Missouri
Blue Springs, Missouri
Centerville, Missouri
Cole Camp, Missouri
Piedmont, Missouri
Saint Louis, Missouri
Greenfield, New Hampshire
Sandown, New Hampshire
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Hampton, New Jersey
Jersey City, New Jersey
Whitehouse Station, New Jersey
Whiting, New Jersey
Blossvale, New York
Croton On Hudson, New York
Garrison, New York
Jefferson, New York
Wallkill, New York
West Islip, New York
West Kill, New York
Concord, North Carolina
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
New Bern, North Carolina
Southport, North Carolina
Canton, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Fremont, Ohio
Glouster, Ohio
Newalla, Oklahoma
Bend, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
WALTERVILLE, Oregon
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Altoona, Pennsylvania
Apollo, Pennsylvania
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
New Castle, Pennsylvania
New Freedom, Pennsylvania
Norristown, Pennsylvania
Port Matilda, Pennsylvania
Quakertown, Pennsylvania
West Chester, Pennsylvania(2 reports)
Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
Wakefield, Rhode Island
Conway, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina
Johns Island, South Carolina
Ladys Island, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Salem, South Carolina
Summerville, South Carolina
Morrison, Tennessee
Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Rockwood, Tennessee
Viola, Tennessee
Austin, Texas
Conroe, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Houston, Texas
Jacksonville, Texas
Katy, Texas
Murchison, Texas
Nacogdoches, Texas
New Caney, Texas
Princeton, Texas
Spring, Texas
Arlington, Virginia
Basye, Virginia
Blacksburg, Virginia
Chesapeake, Virginia
Great Falls, Virginia
Leesburg, Virginia
Lexington, Virginia
Manassas, Virginia
Reston, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
East Hill-Meridian, Washington
Kalama, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Canvas, West Virginia
Birchwood, Wisconsin
Cambridge, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Muscoda, Wisconsin
Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
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Positive | On Aug 11, 2020, NicolasF from Newburyport, MA wrote: This is the first year I’ve had this plant in my garden and so far I love it! I’ve planted it in wet soil in part sun with weekly watering, and I haven’t had a single problem with it. It’s grown to 2-3 feet tall and 1-11/2 feet wide. Hummingbirds LOVE the red flowers and I see them multiple times a day drinking nectar or chasing each other. Before it bloomed I’d seen 2 hummingbirds over the course of the whole year. Therefore, I’d recommend this plant to anyone trying to attract Hummingbirds and with an appropriate site. |
Positive | On Sep 2, 2019, BostonPlanted from Boston, MA (Zone 5b) wrote: This is one of my all time favorite flowers. It grows best in my pond in full sun but also does well in partial shade in regular soil. I grow in loamy soil and it does come back every year mostly and if not the original plant, at least propagates itself. I over winter the potted pond plants by removing from pot and planting in soil until spring. This plant is just adored by hummingbirds. So much so that people will ask, what is that flower that the hummingbirds keep going to? It blooms for a long time and just the most red red you can find. |
Neutral | On Sep 28, 2016, Cen from Hughesville, MD wrote: I love this plant as do both butterflies and hummingbirds. Unfortunately so do the deer. |
Neutral | On Dec 2, 2014, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: I've had a hard time overwintering Lobelia cardinalis and its hybrids. They form an evergreen rosette that does not seem to like having mulch on it. |
Positive | On Oct 8, 2014, wakingdream from Allentown, PA wrote: Lobelia cardinalis is the reddest red I've ever seen, nearly psychedelic in its intensity. It draws hummingbirds and bumblebees every year. I have it placed in rich soil which stays more moist than other areas and it gets full sun until about 1:30 pm. The reseeding is reliable, with rain storms washing the seeds in a little river to the cracks in the flagstone patio adjacent to the bed. Lobelia's root system is very distinctive and can help identify seedlings if you are pulling "weeds" and come across one. Roots remind me of a stark white mophead, with many strings emanating from the crown in all directions, quite close to the soil surface. Red Lobelia does not like to be mulched in winter, even though it is a temptation to place a blanket of needles on top, I resist. Snow I can't co... read more |
Positive | On Oct 8, 2014, FlyPoison from Rock Hill, SC (Zone 7a) wrote: I love planting this native to help attract hummingbirds and other beneficial creatures. In the South where I live they prefer shade and wet soil. I often find them growing along creeks, rivers and in boggy areas that have standing water for several months at time. Here they grow fine being submerged for long periods of time. They do best in rich and heavy soils. |
Positive | On Feb 20, 2014, Lovehum wrote: Excellent hummingbird nectar plant. Vertical flower stalks. Grew best here in full sun, good moisture. It bloomed most heavily in August for me. |
Positive | On Jul 4, 2013, nutsaboutnature from Algonquin, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: I Love this plant and so do the Hummingbirds! |
Positive | On Sep 4, 2012, Bazuhi from Downers Grove, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: September 2012(First time growing this plant) |
Neutral | On Aug 13, 2012, amallen from Johns Island, SC wrote: We have a few wild cardinal flowers that grow near a saltwater marsh in partial shade. They don't compete well with the other plants even though I see them occasionally in other wooded areas on the island. |
Positive | On Sep 24, 2011, penpen from North Tonawanda, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: Excellent perennial for boggy/wet garden spots. Does well in sun or shade. Excellent nectar plant for hummingbirds. |
Neutral | On Aug 25, 2011, gtr1017 from Roanoke, VA wrote: I see these growing wild here in the area, I have observed that these plants like moisture and can handle some shade, I almost always see them growing on the creek bank. Something to consider when planting. |
Neutral | On Apr 25, 2011, snowmanmaker from Maple Grove, MN (Zone 4b) wrote: I love this flower and have tried to grow it from smaller than gallon size with no luck. I have great luck with lobelia speciosa fan deep rose in gallon pots, so will try this from gallon pots this year. I'd say in my zone 4 garden they are less happy in partial shade than they are in part sun. Could have been too dry in one part shade spot also. If you need a gorgeous red, this is it--crossing my fingers! |
Neutral | On Feb 21, 2011, alabamawoman from Huntsville, AL (Zone 7a) wrote: I would like to add this plant to my shade garden area. Do you know if it will tolerate growing with a Black Walnut tree nearby? I have ferns, hostas, primroses, and heucheara (sp?) that grow well in that spot. Anyone with experience on this? |
Neutral | On Sep 1, 2010, geneshere from Kent, WA wrote: I like this plant, but....when I planted the plants they were brilliant red blossoms. This year (the 2nd or 3rd year) the 2 plants are now a deep, dark intense purple. Is there something that would cause the color change? I have not been able to locate any information about this plant changing it's color. They are still very beautiful, just not the brilliant red they were when I planted them. |
Positive | On Jul 16, 2010, Clary from Lewisburg, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: This plant is the superstar of my perennial garden. |
Negative | On May 1, 2010, SalviaFanatic5 from Dover, DE wrote: I wish this short-lived perennial didn't dissolve right before my eyes. It was hard to see that I bought such a nice looking plant in hopes it would continue on in my garden. It feathered out in the middle of some daylillies. I left it alone. It didn't like to be watered a lot so I watered once a week. It didn't survive. I hope this helps for those who live in my area. |
Positive | On Dec 12, 2009, HummingbirdDude from Whitehall, PA wrote: I have seen this plant growing wild along the river north of my house. I plan on purchasing some in the spring to add to my hummingbird/butterfly garden. I am going to try planting it in a container to make a boggy kind of habitat for it, since this plant likes wet conditions. |
Neutral | On Nov 29, 2009, bgp1 from Tecumseh, MI (Zone 5b) wrote: An interesting plant that is a maroon color with bright red flowers and an upright growing habit. Hummingbirds really like eating from the flowers. Here in Michigan these are considered a wildflower, however, for some reason they seem to act as an annual and only live for one growing season. Sometimes these become top-heavy and require staking and tying. |
Positive | On Sep 29, 2008, beverly710 from Newalla, OK (Zone 7a) wrote: All of mine came up as surprises...I have no clue where they came from. They self sow profusely. I have harvested the seeds and they have never let me down...and grow just about anywhere I have spread the seeds. The hummingbirds flock to them and seem to stake them out as part of their territory, so they are a wonderful asset to any garden. |
Positive | On Sep 22, 2008, heavenlybamboo from Centerville, MO wrote: I have successfully rooted cuttings of this plant under a glass jar in a pot of miracle grow on my shady front porch. I have the red-violet or magenta colored form of the wildflower. It is not a hybrid. |
Positive | On Jul 31, 2008, Cyprepedium from Palmer, MA wrote: For decades I admired Lobelia cardinalis when I would encounter it in Massachusetts wetlands. I also found it when I lived in the Midwest and in Texas. Now that I am back in New England and have my own garden, I decided to try to grow this beautiful wildflower. |
Positive | On Aug 16, 2007, dkm65 from Cedar Falls, IA (Zone 4b) wrote: One of the most intense, deep red flowers. The only drawback is that it will make you realize how your other red flowers aren't as intensely red as you thought in comparison. It is must in a native rain garden, and likes well-drained soil that gets a bit more rain runoff than usual (swales and depressions in your garden). It can tolerate some drought as well, as it is very deep rooted. |
Positive | On Jun 21, 2007, JasperDale from Long Beach, CA (Zone 10a) wrote: I have had enormous success with this lobelia, which I planted from 4" pots. The first year, they just sort of sat there (like most perennials), but each successive year the plants have done wonderfully, and I have divided them several times. They are extremely easy to grow and only require being consistently moist, and not allowed to dry out. |
Positive | On Aug 8, 2006, Happy_1 from Chicago, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: This is 37" out of the pot and doing great. I got it when is was very small and it's just doing great in 10b ZONE..... |
Positive | On May 6, 2006, j3soft from New Castle, PA wrote: Hummingbirds flew to the plants as I was carrying them to the backyard after purchasing them at Lowe's Garden Center. |
Positive | On May 1, 2006, pineapplesage from Pewaukee, WI wrote: The hummingbirds would not leave this flower alone. It survived the winter and came back in my zone 5. Always a positive. I did need to stake the flower stalk a bit in the midwest winds. |
Positive | On Oct 5, 2005, woodspirit1 from Lake Toxaway, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: The pH requirements listed for this plant are questionable. It grows in the Appalachian Mountains wild, but the soil is very acid. I also see it growing in ditches regularly. I don't think it needs good drainage. It may tolerate soil that is mildly alkaline but my experience is that it likes acid soil. |
Positive | On Jan 27, 2005, Breezymeadow from Culpeper, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: While I have not yet tried to grow the domesticated version of this plant at my current Zone 7 location, when I lived in a Zone 6 mountain area of Virginia, I had quite a few of the wild plants growing along the marshy edges of a stream that flowed thru a dense woodland area of my property. |
Positive | On Jan 26, 2005, pokerboy from Canberra, This plant has a beautiful, firey red flower. In cold winter areas much to protect from frost heaving. In the warmer winter areas winter mulch may rot the crowns. This plant selfsows prolifically. pokerboy. |
Neutral | On Oct 11, 2004, tcfromky from Mercer, PA (Zone 5a) wrote: The Lobelia species contains alkaloid lobeline which is poisonous in large doses but in small quantities is used in a number of medicinal preparations used quit smoking, revive persons from drug overdoses or as a psychoactive drug. |
Positive | On Sep 14, 2004, julie88 from Muscoda, WI (Zone 4b) wrote: This plant pops up in the shady dampish back water marsh areas of the Wisconscin River (zone 4b). But ut never seems to show up in the same place two years in a row. |
Positive | On Sep 7, 2004, sparkyann2 from Madison, ME wrote: Hummingbirds like this. Great late bloomer in my area when most bright colors have faded. |
Neutral | On May 29, 2004, beverlyf from Weimar, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: I have just planted a Cardinal Flower Lobelia in a damp area. I hope it will survive there. I bought it at a watergarden nursery. |
Positive | On Apr 24, 2004, max2cleo wrote: excellent pond plant |
Positive | On Jan 28, 2004, flowerman from Saint Louis, MO wrote: a hummingbird magnent. |
Positive | On Sep 15, 2003, dreamer from Natchez, MS wrote: I found these plants flowering near the bank of the lake where I live. I am watching carefully for ripe seeds for my garden. The flowers are absolutely beautiful and blooming when my late season garden could use a big shot of dazzaling color like this. |
Positive | On Jan 9, 2003, ButterflyGardnr from Orlando, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: The plants I have produced large, showy spikes of red flowers. It definitely prefers moist soil and will grow from seeds if the soil conditions are favorable. This flower is a hummingbird attractor. |
Neutral | On Aug 31, 2002, Baa wrote: An upright perennial native to North America. |