cardinal flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Type:: aquatic
aquatic — marginal
native perennials
perennials
Notable Traits:: attracts butterflies/pollinators
attracts hummingbirds
butterfly caterpillar food
Central Irregular Plains Ecoregion Osage Cuestas
cutting garden plants
Douglas County Kansas Natives
heirloom garden plants
Kansas Native Plants
resistant: deer
resistant: disease
resistant: rabbit
wildlife food source
Hardiness:: Zone 3 – 9
Mature Height:: 24-36in
Light:: part sun/afternoon shade (eastern exposure, 4+ hours sun)
part to full sun (6 hours or more sun)
sun (8+ hrs)
Water:: requires regular watering
tolerates poor drainage
Bloom Color:: red
Bloom Shape:: spike
Bloom Time:: summer
Foliage:: green
Butterfly Host:: Lightning Bug // Firefly

Description
Native Range

Cardinal flowers bloom with tall spikes of lipstick red flowers in August in moist soil. A beautiful marginal pond plant. A striking native that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators in addition to garden-loving humans.

Companion Plants

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