Cardinalis Lobelia

Cardinalis Lobelia, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is a striking and showy perennial wildflower native to North America. Growing up to 3-4 feet tall, this plant has a clumping growth habit and features lance-shaped, deep green leaves arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. Its vibrant, scarlet-red blooms are tubular in shape, boasting a unique 2-lipped structure with the upper lip forming a hood over the lower one. These flowers are arranged in tall, showy spikes, sometimes reaching up to a foot in length. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the Cardinal Flower is a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a favored choice for wildlife gardens. It will often self-seed, ensuring its presence in the garden for many seasons. While it traditionally grows in wet environments like swamps and stream banks, its aesthetic and ecological appeal has also led to its incorporation in various garden settings.

Companion Planting: Swamp Milkweed, Joe Pye Weed