You will receive a package containing a live Cardinal Flower plant.
Lobelia cardinalis, also known as the Cardinal flower, is a member of the Campanulaceae family native to North America. Cardinal Flower gets its name from the vibrant red color of its petals which reminded Europeans of the red vests worn by cardinals of the Roman Catholic church. Many indigenous tribes also used this plant for medicinal and spiritual practices to gain strength and protection. Cardinal Flower can often be found growing in moist soils, including wet open woods and marshy areas. Pollinators such as butterflies bees and hummingbirds are attracted to its brilliant red flowers making it perfect to use in pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and borders. Add height, color, and beauty to your outdoor space this season by growing Cardinal Flower, your local pollinators will thank you! The cardinal flower, known by many names—Scarlet lobelia, Great lobelia, Indian tobacco, and Red lobelia—is a striking presence in the wetlands of North America. Its scientific name, Lobelia cardinalis, places it within the bellflower family, Campanulaceae, a lineage of natural beauty and resilience. This vibrant plant is a short-lived perennial that thrives in moist soils and the gentle embrace of full to partial sunlight. Found gracing the banks of streams, rivers, and lakes, the cardinal flower’s brilliant red blooms are a beacon for hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies, while also hosting the delicate pink-washed looper moth. Yet, this beauty comes with a bittersweet story. The cardinal flower is listed as threatened in Florida and "salvage restricted" in Arizona. In New York, it’s labeled an "exploitably vulnerable native plant," a reminder of the delicate balance required to protect such natural treasures. In your landscape, the cardinal flower is more than a plant—it’s a lifeline for pollinators and a symbol of our responsibility to nurture the land that nurtures us. Let its scarlet blooms tell their story in your wetland garden, weaving nature’s timeless tapestry one petal at a time. If ordering during the fall/winter season this plant is going into dormancy please see the information included in the care guide to best take care of your plant for successfully preparing your plant to thrive next growing season. This depends on the growing zone you are located in, please research before buying.
