What it is
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is in the Campanulaceae family. An intense scarlet native for damp, shady spots — a hummingbird favorite where most natives want it dry.
How to grow it
It wants part shade, water it high — likes wet, and give it rich, moist soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 12–18 in apart. Expect roughly Blooms summer. Hardy native perennial.
How it's used
Cardinal Flower is used: ornamental; pollinator.
🔎 How to identify it
- Lance-shaped toothed leaves
- Tall flower spike
- Brilliant red tubular flowers
Not for eating
Grown for the garden, soil, or pollinators — not as food.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.