Lobelia cardinalis

Common Name
Cardinal flower
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Biennial
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Width (ft)
1.0 - 2.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: seabrook2023
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Karim Gharbi
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: fresh tidal and nontidal marshes, wooded swamps, seeps; banks of ponds, rivers, streams

Flowers July to October. Easily grown in rich, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, and It will tolerate brief flooding. Tends to move around in the garden. Biennial, must reseed

Flower Color
Red/burgandy
Pink
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
August
September
October
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Climate-smart plant
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
4
Tolerates
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
0 0 Row 4 View My Wishlist
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

In Stock? Notes
Yes View My Wishlist
Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes Yes

Quart

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Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
0 Quart

Contact nursery to be put on the reserve list

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0 1 Gallon

Contact nursery to be put on the reserve list

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