This product does not ship to: Idaho

Native Cardinal Flower

American Beauties Native Plants

$36.49
(3 reviews) Write a Review
Availability : In Stock
Spring 2024 Pre-Order - Learn More
$36.49
This product does not ship to: Idaho
  • Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
  • Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
  • Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
  • Growing Zones 4 - 8

Native Cardinal Flower is a sensational perennial that features bold, scarlet red flowers that not only can grow but will thrive in conditions that are unsuitable for many other types of plants. The delicate flowers are tubular and grow in evenly spaced circular rows on tall stems. Flowers bloom from early July into September. Further down, the thin stems feature narrow ovate green foliage. Lobelia cardinalis will reach 2 to 3 feet tall, and while the flowers are small, they make a significant impact.

Cardinal Flower thrives in damp areas, making this perennial a wonderful choice to plant near ponds or streams. This clump-forming upright perennial can easily grow in areas too wet for other plants, and it can transform a marshy spot into a lovely flower bed. As a native plant, the Native Cardinal Flower is very low maintenance and attracts various pollinators. This hardy plant grows as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.

Native Cardinal Flower Care

This perennial needs rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Native Cardinal Flowers can tolerate standing water caused by seasonal flooding. The soil should be kept consistently damp, and this plant may need water several times a week, especially during a drought. A layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture while giving the plant a boost of nutrients. Plant in full sun, but in warmer regions, this plant will benefit from morning sun and afternoon shade.

Remove spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and to encourage more blooming. Leave some spent blooms in place so the Cardinal Flower can self-seed if you want to expand the colony. Cut back the growth if the plant becomes leggy later in the season.

Native Cardinal Flower Spacing

Native Cardinal Flower has an upright growth habit and will grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Plants can be grown 18 to 24 inches apart for a dense, meadow-like look.

Native Cardinal Flower Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8
Plant Type:
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet
Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches
Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches
Habit: Upright
Flower Color(s): Red
Flower Description:
Bloom Period: Late July through September
Foliage Type: Herbaceous
Foliage Color(s): Green
Foliage Description:
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Watering: Average
Resists: Deer, Rabbit
Tolerates: Heat
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Container Role:
Uses: Borders, Containers, Wildlife Gardens
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Native to North America
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants
Common Name: Native Cardinal Flower
Other Name(s):
Scientific Name: LOBELIA CARDINALIS
SKU:
1231004676-pc

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

4.5 Pot

4.5" Pot
 Also Know As:
   4.5" Container

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months
 Plant Size:
   ~ 3"-6"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
 Volume:
   1.42 quarts

Quart Pot

Quart Pot
 Also Know As:
   Quart

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months - 1 year
 Plant Size:
   ~ 4"-8"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
 Volume:
   1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart

2.5 Quart
 Also Know As:
   2.5 Quart Pot

 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 8"-12"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
 Volume:
   2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot

#1 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #1 Container
    1 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 10"-14"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 7"H x 7.75"W
 Volume:
   2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot

#2 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #2 Container
    2 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 3 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-18"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
 Volume:
   1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot

#3 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #3 Container
    3 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 2 - 4 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-30"
 Pot Size:
   ~9.5"H x 11"W
 Volume:
   2.32-2.76 gallons


For more detailed information, please click here.

Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)

Plant Addicts guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy and healthy, but the plant(s) are being shipped through the mail and accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.

For information on how to care for you new plant please check out our guide. Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty whether you’re new or an expert. There are many variables outside our control and yours that can cause the demise of your plant(s). Examples would be hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, disease, insects & many other factors. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all the unknowns and will replace your plant if it moves on to the plant afterlife.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant purchase. We will cover 100% of the price of the plant but the warranty does not cover shipping cost. Simply let us know if your plant has died within one year of receiving it and we’ll get you a new one shipped out. We may ask for photos for documentation purposes but again we’ll try to make it as easy as possible.

For more information, please go to our Shipping & Returns page at the bottom of the website.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

  • If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.  
    • We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location


Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

3 Reviews - Native Cardinal Flower Show Reviews

  • 5
    Cardinal Flower Perennial

    Posted by Kristen J on Jul 17, 2023

    Very pleased with the size and quality of the cardinal Flower plant I received. Fast shipping.

  • 5
    Arrived totally...

    Posted by Kathy Autry on Jun 02, 2023

    This plant was perfect upon arrival. Watered immediately and planted the next day in a container. It has grown a good 3” taller since then and looks amazing. I cannot wait for it to bloom. Plant Addicts’s is a wonderful place to order live plants from.

  • 5
    amazing bright red blooms

    Posted by Laura Brady on Jul 05, 2022

    Native Cardinal Flowers are easy to grow and have wonderful flower colors. It attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.