Cardinal flower

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-5 ft. tall
1-2 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Seed germination will be best after a 3 month cold moist stratification. Seed requires sunlight to germinate and should not be covered by soil.

Plant Planting Notes

Be sure to plant in an area that provides consistent moisture.

Plants/Diseases

So significant disease or pest issues. Snails and slugs may damage foliage.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves simple, alternate, and lanceolate with serrate leaf margins.

Flowers

Bright red, tubular flowers with prominent lip.

Toxicity

Medium toxicity if ingested in large quantities.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Stream and river banks, roadside ditches.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.

Subspecies

Lobelia cardinalis var. cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis var. phyllostachya