Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000883
11/12/99

Lobelia cardinalis--Cardinal Flower


Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Height: 3 ft Spread: 18 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Red

Comments: Cardinal Flower produces spikes of bright red
flowers (Vis. 1) late in the summer. Grow the plant near
water as it prefers moist soils. Lobelia grows best in
partial shade and needs winter protection. When grown in
full sun, be sure to provide a moist soil. Remove the first
flower spike as it fades to encourage side shoots which
extend the blooming season. Fertilize when the first
flower spike is removed. The plant tends to be short-
lived but will often reproduce through self-seeded
volunteer plants. Clumps should be divided at least every
three years.

Propagation: Seed sown in autumn will give plants which
bloom in early spring. The seed germinates in 3 to 4
weeks at temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees. Basal
shoots will form at the base of the plant in the fall.
These may be divided and replanted.

Cultivars: Some of the cultivars listed below are also
listed in some references as L. x speciosa. They are all
grouped here for convenience.
'alba' - White flowers.
x 'Bee's Flame' - The bright red flowers are combined
with purple foliage.
'Compliment Scarlet' - Larger flowers than the species
(Vis. 2).
x 'Dark Crusader' - Red flowers with purple leaves.
x 'Queen Victoria' - Scarlet flowers in spikes to 3 feet
tall. Also listed as L. fulgens.
x 'Ruby Slippers' - Purplish red flowers.
x 'Russian Princess' - Magenta flowers are combined with
maroon foliage.
'Vedariensis' - A cultivar of L. x gerardii. Dark purple
flowers.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Wayside
Gardens 199, White Flower Farm 1999, Ray Wiegand's
Nursery 1999, Weston Nurseries 1999, Sheridan Nurseries
1999.


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