Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower Description:

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as cardinal flower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to the eastern and central regions of North America, where it can be found growing in wetlands, swamps, meadows, and along streams and riverbanks.

The plant typically grows to a height of 1-5 feet and spreads to about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in width. It has lance-shaped, dark green leaves that grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide, and form a basal rosette. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, which is typically smooth and erect.

In late summer to early fall, the cardinal flower produces spikes of showy, bright red, tubular flowers with five petals that are about 2 inches (5 cm) long. The flowers are arranged in a dense, terminal raceme that can be up to 1 foot (30 cm) long. The nectar-rich flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, and are often used as cut flowers.

Lobelia cardinalis is a popular garden plant and can be grown in moist to wet soil conditions in full sun to partial shade. It is a good choice for rain gardens, water gardens, and naturalized areas, as well as for attracting wildlife to the garden. The plant has a number of medicinal uses and has been traditionally used as a herbal remedy for a variety of ailments.

Native Range:

In Minnesota, Cardinal flower grows natively in the far Southeastern portion of the state. More broadly, Cardinal flower grows across the United States with the exception of the Northwest.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 1' - 5'

Bloom Time: July - September

Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade to full sun and moinst sandy and loamy soils. Often found in wet meadows, open woods, and shorelines.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.