10 Seeds Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower Native Perennial Hummingbird Favorite Red Blooms

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is a striking native perennial prized for its brilliant scarlet-red blooms that rise on tall upright spikes from midsummer into early fall. Its vivid flower spikes create a bold vertical accent in borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalized meadow plantings, and the rich color pairs beautifully with ferns, grasses, and other moisture-loving companions.
Often used along pond edges, rain gardens, and shaded woodland borders where soil stays consistently moist, Cardinal Flower adds late-season color when many other perennials have finished. The tubular blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds and long-tongued pollinators, and the flower spikes work well as fresh cut flowers. It performs best in rich, consistently damp soil and can tolerate full sun in cooler climates when moisture is adequate.
Species: Lobelia cardinalis
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant_Habit: Upright clumping, tall flower spikes
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich, moist to wet, well-draining loam
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 3 to 9
Germination: Surface sow; light required for germination; 14 to 30 days at 65 to 70F
Sowing: Press seeds lightly onto moist soil surface; do not bury
Spacing: 12 to 18 inches
Notes: Keep soil consistently moist; blooms midsummer to early fall