Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

flower

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a striking native perennial of eastern North America, growing 4 to 5 ft tall and topped in late summer and fall by spikes of brilliant, velvety scarlet-red flowers - one of the best hummingbird plants there is. Unlike most showy perennials it loves consistently moist to wet soil, thriving along streams, pond edges, and in rain gardens. It can be short-lived but self-sows and re-roots from its basal rosettes to persist. It was named NC Wildflower of the Year three times.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Blue Flag Iris — A native that shares the wet, sunny conditions of pond and stream edges
• Swamp Milkweed — Another moisture-loving native that supports pollinators alongside it
• Fern — Thrives in the same rich, moist soil and softens the planting

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Slugs →

  Chew the basal rosettes and new growth in damp conditions; remove hiding spots and trap as needed

• Snails →

  Similar damage; hand-pick in the evening and clear debris

• Rust →

  Orange pustules on leaves in crowded, humid spots; give airflow and remove affected foliage

🌸 Blooms & cutting

Cardinal flower is grown for its hummingbird-drawing spikes in the garden, not for cutting or eating (all parts are poisonous). To keep this short-lived perennial going, let some spikes set and drop seed, or divide the basal offset rosettes in spring and replant them. Light deadheading can bring a little rebloom.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Cardinal flower is an ornamental, not edible, and all parts are poisonous. Its value is unmatched late-season scarlet color for wet ground and rain gardens, and an outstanding nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies. Have a different variety? Cultivars of the same species share the same basic care, so this guide still applies even if your exact form is not shown.

⚠️ Toxicity & safety

All parts of cardinal flower contain alkaloids (including lobeline) and are poisonous if eaten in quantity, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases convulsions and coma. It is also toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Grow it as an ornamental only and keep it away from children and pets.