- 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
Also Known 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
Also Known 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
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known 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
Also Known 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 Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes 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 more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
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 a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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