Native Blue Cardinal Flower

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

A wonderful choice for those gardeners looking for an outstanding blue flower for the perennial bed. In late summer, spikes of bright blue flowers grow 30 inches tall from a plant base with a width of 6 to12 inches. Native to North America this perennial would make a wonderful, late season addition to any garden! 

A low maintenance perennial that is deer and rabbit resistant, attracts many different pollinating insects and hummingbirds. This perennial would look amazing as a mass background planting in a perennial bed, walkway, woodland garden or in a pot or container that is at minimum 24 inches wide and deep. A good choice for wet areas. The leaves may be damaged by slugs, leaf spot and rust. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Winter hardy in zones 4 to 9. 

Native Blue Cardinal Flower Care 

A perennial that will accept a wide range of light conditions as it will tolerate both full sun and shade provided it is grown in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Benefits from an application of humus or compost although it will do well in a wide range of soil types. 

If allowed to go to seed this perennial will readily reseed itself if not cut back. Once the seed pods have matured, and the seeds dispersed, the remaining foliage and past flower stalk may be cut down to the ground. 

Native Blue Cardinal Flower Spacing

Space at a distance of 18 to 20 inches apart when growing in the perennial bed, as an accent plant, in groups or in a pot or planter.

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