Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis

Phonetic: low-BEE-lee-ah kar-dih-NAL-iss

Cardinal Flower is a showstopper and is named for its beautiful scarlet red flowers which are an important nectar source for hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. The flowering spikes open from the bottom to the top and bloom for several weeks. The plants will not live for more than a few years but is a prolific self-seeder and fast grower.

• Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Native Northeast Region: BONAP MAP
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key 
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun To Partial Shade
• Flower Color: Red
• Bloom Time: July, August, September
• Soil Type: Moist to Medium
• Mature Plant Size: 2-4'H, 1-2'W
• Plant Spacing: 1-1.5'
• Host Plant: Spicebush Swallowtail, Pink Washed Looper Moth, Greater Black Letter Dart and Red Banded Leafroller Moth
• Attracts: Hummingbirds, Bees and Butterflies
• Advantages: Deer resistant, cut flowers
• Landscape Uses: Moist perennial borders, rain gardens, water's edge
• Companion Plants: Great Blue Lobelia, Northern Blue Flag, Rose Milkweed, Foxglove Beardtongue
• Deer Resistant