This competition is now closed

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Flowers
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D

Botanical name: Lobelia cardinalis
Common name: Cardinal flower
Family: Campanulaceae

Flower colour:

Red

Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower) is a brilliantly colourful and showy damp-loving perennial that blooms throughout summer and into autumn, brightening the garden at a time when many other plants are finishing for the year. This hardy perennial must have moisture in order to thrive, either in good moisture-retentive soil, a bog garden or even in shallow water at the edge of a pond. Lobelia cardinalis is handsome in both flower and foliage, bearing many brilliant scarlet-red flowers up to 5cm long. The blooms are borne on stems up to 1m tall that rise vertically from a basal rosette of foliage. The leaves are long and slender, bright green tinged with bronze, or purple in the case of named varieties such as ‘Bee’s Flame’ and ‘Queen Victoria’.

Lobelia cardinalis is an herbaceous perennial, dying back to the ground in autumn and regrowing in spring. However, it tends to be short-lived, although dividing the plant every two to three years can extend its life. To do this, dig up the clump in spring, divide into two or more good-sized pieces each with plenty of roots and shoot buds, and replant. Lobelia cardinalis is moderately hardy – in cold areas, protect with a mulch of straw or chipped bark over winter.

Once established, Lobelia cardinalis is trouble free to grow so long as the soil is adequately moist.

Lobelia cardinalis is toxic if consumed. Wear gloves to avoid contact and wash hands well after handling.

This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.

Advice on buying Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis needs moist soil to thrive. Ensure you have the right growing requirements before buying
You may find a Lobelia cardinalis at your local garden centre but you’ll find more choice online
Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before buying

Where to buy Lobelia cardinalis

How to grow Lobelia cardinalis

Plant size

100cm height

30cm spread
Aspect

South facing, east facing, west facing
Position in border

Middle

Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Clay / heavy / moist

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Flowers
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D