photo of Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal Flower

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Cardinal Flower is one of the most attractive native wildflowers in New Jersey. The showy, scarlet-red flowers are a hummingbird magnet, blooming...

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Description:

Cardinal Flower is one of the most attractive native wildflowers in New Jersey. The showy, scarlet-red flowers are a hummingbird magnet, blooming July through September and offering a late summer nectar source. Cardinal Flower requires moist-wet, humus-rich soil to ensure optimum growth. It prefers partly shady areas, but it can tolerate full shade. Enhance your yard’s perennial border, butterfly garden, rain garden, or moist woodland edge with this gorgeous native!

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Flower, Perennial

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Summer, Late Summer to Fall

Bloom Colors: Red

Deer Resistance: Some

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic

Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet

Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Partial Shade

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 2 - 4 ft

Spread: 1 - 2 ft

Growth Rate: Medium