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Cardinal Flower


Thrives in Zones 2 - 9


Cardinal Flower stands out with its vivid red spikes, adding a dramatic burst of color and drawing hummingbirds to your landscape.

Thrives in moist, shady conditions

Supports local pollinator populations effectively

Low maintenance, hardy perennial plant choice

Package of: Buy 1 Get 1 Free
7-10 Days

Cardinal Flower

The cardinal flower is an herbaceous perennial that puts on a show! This native plant with bold scarlet red flowers makes a statement and complements any garden. It is gorgeous when mixed with heuchera, ferns, and swamp milkweed.

Family: Bellflower (Campanulaceae)

Light Requirement: Full

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 3-4 ft.

Spread: 1-2 ft.

Bloom Time: Summer

Flower Color: Red

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies

Cardinal Flower: Landscape Uses and Maintenance 

The cardinal flower grows near shaded streams naturally, so this plant will enjoy growing in wetter places in your garden. Keep it consistently moist and do not allow to dry out.

As it prefers the shade to sunny areas, brighten any dark corner with its stunning scarlet blooms that will impact your garden. As an upright and stately perennial, this flower is a delight to the eye and will be a stunner in your garden for years to come.

Not a one-hit wonder -- this plant is truly versatile! Put it in your border, pollinator garden, rock garden, or meadow.

It is a low maintenance plant that will not need much direct care. Water deeply when first planting. Water during droughts.

If you want to give your new plants an extra treat, you can top dress the soil around them with compost or leaf mold to improve soil structure or add organic matter. Make sure to give this plant some space around each clump, especially around their leaves, to prevent fungal issues. Treat with an organic fungicide should issues arise.

Cardinal Flower Noteworthy Characteristics

The cardinal flower is a magnet for many hungry pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies that enjoy the nectar from its flowers. Deer and rabbits will avoid this plant.

Have you been looking for an easy to propagate plant? This is the one! It will readily self-seed and spread slowly in your garden, without being invasive. You can leave spent, fertilized blooms to turn into seedpods that will allow seed to fall when mature. If you do not want this plant to spread, simply deadhead the spent blooms.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bare Root Plants
Bloom season icon

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color icon

Bloom/Foliage Color

Red

Height at Maturity icon

Height at Maturity

Over 12"

Care icon

Care

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) thrives in moist, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Keep the soil consistently wet and mulched to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly in early spring. Remove spent flowers to promote more flowers and prevent self-seeding.

Plant Reproduction icon

Plant Reproduction

Cardinal flowers are spread by self-seeding, sending out offshoots, and bending stems.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE

Lobelia Cardinalis - TN Nursery
Cardinal FlowerBuy 1 Get 1 Free Sale price $5.99

Proper Sunlight
Happy Plants

The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) thrives in partial to full sun but also appreciates some shade, especially in hot climates. It prefers bright, indirect light to ensure vibrant blooms and robust growth.

Start your dream garden today

Our mission is to provide high-quality, sustainably grown plants that empower every gardener to make a lasting impact—one root at a time.

HASSLE FREE What are the benefits of Cardinal Flower?
Striking red blooms in Summer
Deep green, lance-shaped leaves
Attracts pollintors like butterflies
BARE ROOT PLANTS ARE BETTER Growing is easier with Bare Root Plants TN Nursery offers a breathtaking variety of regionally adapted plants that thrive with minimal effort. Expert guidance enables choosing the right species for your soil and climate
Easier to Grow Bareroot dormant plants are more hardy because they adapt better to new environments,
Cost Effective With no heavy pots or soil, you'll save 50-60% on shipping costs, and can easily plant yourself
Better Growth Bare root plants are shipped without soil or pots, making them lightweight and easy to handle.
Eco-Friendly Bare root native plants are a sustainable choice that support biodiversity, use less water, and thrive with minimal maintenance.
Features
Why You Will Love Our Cardinal Flower

Stunning Visual Impact

Cardinal Flower’s vivid red spikes provide a bold and dramatic splash of color that enhances any landscape. The striking hue creates an eye-catching focal point that adds depth and interest to your garden.

Adds Vertical Interest

With its tall, spiky flowers, Cardinal Flower introduces vertical dimension to flower beds and borders. This height creates a visually appealing contrast, drawing the eye upward and adding structure to your garden.

Thrives in Moist Conditions

Ideal for planting near water features or in damp soil, it excels in moist environments where other plants might struggle. This makes it a great choice for areas prone to wet conditions, ensuring vibrant blooms where others may fail.

Attracts Hummingbirds

Its bright red blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, bringing lively activity and a touch of nature’s charm. Watching these birds flutter around adds a dynamic and enchanting element to your outdoor space.

They’re blooming beautifully and adding a touch of elegance to my shaded garden areas. Excellent quality!
– Tyler Noah, Verified Buyer
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Customer Reviews

Based on 65 reviews
85%
(55)
12%
(8)
2%
(1)
2%
(1)
0%
(0)
D
Dan Millar
Droopy

2pf the 5 droopy. The other 3 erect. Will see if droopy perk up in the ground and/or see if they grow next spring.

D
David Schoenberger

We’ll see been in the ground a week should I expect them to grow now going into fall or will they grow up in spring?

c
christopher boyd

Cardinal Flower

J
Joanne Hartzell
No growth

Even though planted according to directions, my cardinal flowers have not yet grown. I’ll let you know if they do!

B
Betty Wyse
Cardinal flowers

Arrived in good condition. Soaked briefly then planted. I’m hoping for a little growth this fall.

Frequently asked questions

Still have a question? Contact us here.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. We run discounts and promotions all year, so stay tuned for exclusive deals.

How long will it take to get my orders?

It depends on where you are. Orders processed here will take 5-7 business days to arrive. Overseas deliveries can take anywhere from 7-16 days. Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.

Any question?

You can contact us through our contact page! We will be happy to assist you.