Cardinal Flower

Plant of the Week September 4, 2023

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

By Laura Brewster, Anoka County Master Gardener

The Cardinal flower is a brilliant red showstopper. The first time I saw it, I wanted to grow it somewhere in my garden. Luckily, I have the right soil conditions.

A native, short-lived perennial, cardinal flower requires rich, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. It makes a perfect addition to rain, woodland, and hummingbird gardens, or moist areas.

The showy red blooms provide hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies nectar from July to September in Minnesota. It grows two to four feet tall, up to six feet sometimes, and one to two feet wide. It is moderately deer and rabbit-resistant.

The parent plant lives three to five years, however, it reseeds well. Ensure seeds make good contact with the soil. In this case, it is best to avoid weed tarps and excessive mulching.

Pair it with Canada anemone, great blue lobelia, and sallow sedge.