Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis: Scarlet Beacons in the Summer Garden

Vivid and vital, Lobelia cardinalis lights up moist garden edges and sunny borders with brilliant spires of scarlet-red flowers. Beloved by hummingbirds and native to much of North America, this upright perennial brings bold colour and ecological value to naturalistic plantings and pollinator gardens alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm, upright and clumping
• Flower Colour: Intense scarlet red
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Green to bronze-tinged, lance-shaped leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist to wet, rich soil; tolerates average garden soil with consistent watering

Uses and Benefits: Lobelia cardinalis is ideal for rain gardens, wet meadows, streambanks, or the moist edges of sunny borders where water naturally lingers. Its vivid flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees. As a native perennial, it provides both habitat and nectar while adding fiery colour late in the season. Its upright form mixes beautifully with grasses and other vertical growers in full sun plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair Lobelia cardinalis with Echinacea purpurea, whose rosy purple blooms offer complementary colour and extended seasonal interest. Add Asclepias tuberosa for bright orange contrast and pollinator appeal. Finish with Schizachyrium scoparium, a native ornamental grass whose fine, upright blue-green blades and autumnal tones bring movement and structure to the planting.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in moist to wet soil; tolerates part shade but flowers best with ample light. Water regularly, especially in dry conditions. Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back stems after flowering or leave seedheads for wildlife. Divide clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigour and spread.

History: Lobelia cardinalis, also known as cardinal flower, is native to eastern and central North America. It has long been admired for its vivid red flowers and is a vital source of nectar for hummingbirds. Its natural affinity for wet soils makes it a key component in native and pollinator-focused gardens.

Final Thoughts: Blazing with late-season colour and alive with pollinator activity, Lobelia cardinalis is a powerful native presence—perfect for gardeners seeking bold beauty with ecological impact.