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Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower)

Lobelia cardinalis Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Lobelia cardinalis lo-BEE-lee-ah kar-din-AL-iss Common Name: Cardinal flower Genus: Lobelia
Cardinal flower has reddish purple stems and lance-shaped, often glossy, bright green leaves tinged with bronze. Bold red spikes of tubular two-lipped flowers with reddish purple bracts appear in summer and early autumn.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Useful near water or in a wildlife pool.
 Care: Grow in deep, fertile, moist soil or in containers of acidic soil near water.
 Propagation: Divide in summer. Take bud cuttings in midsummer.
 Problems: Rust, smut, leaf spots, and slugs.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium to Wet
Characteristics Attracts Hummingbirds; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Red Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Waterside
Style , Water Garden
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Perennials

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