Botanical Name: Lobelia cardinalis

Common Name: Cardinal Flower

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9

Size: 24–48" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming Perennial

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Prefers Morning Sun in Warm Climates)

Soil: Rich, Moist to Wet, Well-Drained Soil

Water Needs: Moderate to High; Prefers Consistently Moist Soil

Bloom Season: Mid to Late Summer

Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring; Avoid Excessive Fertility

Features: Brilliant Scarlet-Red Flower Spikes, Strong Pollinator Appeal, Native Perennial

Uses: Perennial Borders, Rain Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Moist Garden Areas

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: Division or Seed

More About Lobelia ‘Cardinal Flower’

Cardinal Flower is a striking native perennial known for its vivid scarlet-red flower spikes that rise well above the foliage in mid to late summer. The bold vertical blooms create dramatic contrast in perennial borders and are especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Unlike annual lobelias grown for containers, Cardinal Flower establishes a permanent presence in the landscape and increases in size over time when grown in suitable conditions.

This variety thrives in consistently moist soil and performs exceptionally well in rain gardens, along stream edges, or in low-lying garden areas where moisture is naturally retained. Its upright, clumping habit provides strong architectural interest and makes it an excellent companion to ornamental grasses, ferns, and other moisture-loving perennials. Once established, Cardinal Flower becomes a reliable late-season focal point in the garden.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Cardinal Flower has proven to be exceptionally dependable in moist garden settings, returning year after year with strong growth and consistent bloom. When planted in the right location, it requires minimal intervention and steadily develops into a bold, upright clump that adds height and structure to perennial beds.

We especially value its pollinator performance. Few perennials attract hummingbirds as consistently as Cardinal Flower, and its late-season bloom timing fills an important gap when many spring and early-summer plants have faded. It’s a standout choice for gardeners looking to combine visual impact with ecological benefit.

Cardinal Flower vs. Other Lobelia Varieties

Cardinal Flower is a true perennial Lobelia grown for height, structure, and long-term landscape impact rather than seasonal container use. Unlike compact annual lobelias such as Hot® Purple, Cardinal Flower forms upright clumps that can reach 2 to 4 feet tall and produces dramatic scarlet flower spikes later in the growing season. While Hot® Purple is valued for early color and fine texture in spring containers, Cardinal Flower is planted as a permanent feature in perennial borders and moist garden areas.

When compared to more controlled annual selections like Magadi™ Compact Blue Bay and the Techno® White, Cardinal Flower again fills a very different role. Magadi and Techno varieties are bred for uniformity, tidy form, and heavy early flowering in containers and baskets, whereas Cardinal Flower prioritizes vertical presence and pollinator value. It is not suited for pots or edging, but instead thrives in consistently moist soil where it can return year after year. Cardinal Flower isn’t chosen to replace annual Lobelias—it’s chosen to complement them by adding height, permanence, and late-season interest to the garden.