Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower, Quart pot

Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower, Quart pot

FS-PS, Zone 4, blooms July-Sept., 4’ x .5-1’, wet to medium wet, deer resistant

This plant grows best with some shade and moist, rich soil. It is a showy plant that does great in wetland situations. The parent plant may not live for more than a few seasons, but since it self seeds, others will take its place. The flowering spikes open from bottom to top and make good cuts for the vase. Another plus is that the plants produce a secondary compound called “lobeline”, which deters deer and rabbits. Our plants took the first year to get established and bloomed very nicely in year 2.

Attracts many native bees and wasps and is a terrific butterfly magnet. Humminbirds are also drawn to the color and the nectar. Honey bees do not see the red, instead it appears black. However, once they find the plant, nectar frenzy starts! They access the nectar by inserting their tongues into the base. Considered nectart robbing since the plants reproductive structures are bypassed.