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California Native Plant

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal Flower

Plant photo of: Lobelia cardinalis
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: Sandra Chipley/Devine

 

Description

The Cardinal Flower occurs in wet meadows, marshes and along stream banks in the wild, so it should be grown in a place that is moist for the majority of the time. The foiliage is a deep, dark green which contrasts beautifully to the vivid red flowers that bloom on 2'-5' stalks in August and September. Hummingbirds are the main pollinators of this plant, and will be seen visiting the flowers. -Holland WIldflower Farm

 

Plant Type

Perennial

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Red

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

Water

Medium, High

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

Soil Condition

Rich, Moist

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Water Garden, Wetlands, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Summer

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.