• Red Lobelia cardinalis flower with a blurred background
  • Lobelia cardinalis plant in a pot on a wooden surface with green foliage in the background
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Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal Flower

$15.00
$15.00
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Taxes included.
Pot Size/Grade

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is a spectacular perennial that produces tall spikes of vivid scarlet-red flowers during late summer and autumn. One of the brightest red flowering perennials available, it creates an eye-catching display in borders, pond margins and moisture-retentive garden beds.

The striking flowers are held above attractive green foliage and provide a valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators. Lobelia cardinalis thrives in consistently moist conditions, making it an excellent choice for areas where many other perennials struggle.

Why You'll Love Lobelia cardinalis

  • Brilliant scarlet-red flower spikes
  • Flowers in late summer and autumn
  • Excellent for moist garden areas
  • Attracts bees and pollinators
  • Provides strong vertical colour and structure
  • Perfect near ponds and water features
  • Highly frost hardy
  • Ideal for cottage and woodland gardens


  • Expected 5 Year Height 0.7 M Width 0.4 M

Is Lobelia cardinalis suitable for my garden?

Lobelia cardinalis is best suited in a position that gets

  • Partial shade
  • Full sun

Lobelia cardinalis is

  • Perennial
  • Winter Dormant
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Flowering
  • Fast-growing
  • Attracts pollinators
  • Cold hardy
  • Evergreen

Lobelia cardinalis will thrive in soil that is

  • Nutrient rich
  • Clay
  • Normal
  • Free draining

How to establish your Lobelia cardinalis?

For maximum flowering:

Full sun in cooler climates
Part shade in hotter regions
Morning sun with afternoon shade is often ideal

The key is ensuring adequate moisture during warm weather.

How to maintain your Lobelia cardinalis once established?

Consistent moisture is essential.

Water regularly while plants establish.

Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Extended dry periods can reduce flowering and plant vigour.

For strong growth and abundant flowers:

Apply compost annually.
Feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring.
Mulch regularly with organic matter.

Lobelia cardinalis responds well to fertile soil conditions.

Mulching provides several benefits:

Retains moisture
Reduces weed competition
Improves soil structure
Protects roots during summer

Compost, bark mulch and leaf mould are all suitable options.

Removing spent flower spikes can tidy the plant and prevent unwanted self-seeding.

However, many gardeners leave seed heads intact to encourage natural regeneration.

As temperatures cool:

Foliage naturally dies back.
Remove old growth during late winter.
New shoots will emerge from the crown in spring.

Avoid disturbing the crown during dormancy.

Mature clumps can be divided every few years to:

Maintain vigour
Increase plant numbers
Rejuvenate older plants

Division is best carried out during spring.
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