100 Seeds Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal Flower is a native perennial prized for its tall spikes of vivid scarlet-red blooms that appear from midsummer into early fall, creating a striking vertical accent in borders, rain gardens, and pollinator plantings. Its brilliant flower spikes rise above lance-shaped green foliage and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a standout choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Grow Cardinal Flower in moist to wet soils along pond edges, stream banks, or in consistently watered beds where its saturated color can be showcased. The plants form upright clumps and bloom best in full sun to partial shade, tolerating boggy conditions that many ornamentals cannot. Allow spent flower spikes to remain for winter interest and self-seeding potential.
Species: Lobelia cardinalis
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant_Habit: Upright clumping
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist to wet, rich, well-draining to boggy
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 3-9
Germination: Surface sow; light required, 14-30 days at 65-70F
Sowing: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Notes: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment