Cardinal Flower
Perennial

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Screaming scarlet spikes. The most vivid red in the native plant world.

Bloom Season
Jul - Sep
JFMAMJJASOND
Sun Requirements
Part Sun4-6 hours
Part Shade2-4 hours
Water Needs
High
Consistently moist
Size & Zones
2-4' tall
USDA Zones 3-10
Bloom Colors
Red
Traits
Pollinator Friendly Native Species Hummingbird Magnet
Soil
Clay
Where to buy
Find Cardinal Flower plants on Amazon.
Shop on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, What's Bloomin' earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are set by Amazon.
Pairs Well With
Joe-Pye Weed
Perennial
Bee Balm
Perennial
Astilbe
Perennial
Further Listening
Ep. 541: Coexistence and Maintaining Species Boundaries
In Defense of Plants
Uses the genus Lobelia to ask how closely related species stay distinct while growing side by side.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Cardinal Flower: A Perfect Partnership
The Natural Web
On why this flower's shape and bloom timing line up with the hummingbird migration that pollinates it.
You Might Also Like
RoseMay-Oct
Rose
Perennial · Z3-10
SalviaMay-Sep
Salvia
Perennial · Z3-10
YarrowJun-Sep
Yarrow
Perennial · Z3-10
Blanket FlowerJun-Oct
Blanket Flower
Perennial · Z3-10
Explore More
ColorRed flowers
TypeAll perennials
TraitsPollinator FriendlyNative SpeciesHummingbird Magnet
MonthsWhat blooms in JulWhat blooms in AugWhat blooms in Sep
The Garden Newsletter

What's growing, what's blooming, what's worth planting.

For gardeners who like to stay ahead.