Lobelia cardinalis

Herbaceous Perennial (sometimes considered a biennial)

Plant in spring or fall; blooms in summer to fall

Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) to part shade (prefers some afternoon shade in hot climates)

32 to 95°F (0 to 35°C)

Moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter

3–9 (USDA)

Germination is relatively easy, usually within 10–14 days. Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Needs consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods

A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial

Upright, erect, unbranched (or sparsely branched)

Seed, cuttings, or division (though division can be tricky)

2–4 ft

1–2 ft

Bright red, tubular flowers arranged on tall spikes

Hummingbirds (its primary pollinator!), butterflies

Hummingbird gardens, rain gardens, woodland edges, borders

Oher moisture-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and astilbes

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut back stems in fall after the first frost

Considered toxic if ingested (contains lobeline alkaloids)

Slugs, snails, aphids

Root rot (in poorly drained soil), powdery mildew

The cardinalis name refers to the cardinal red color of the flowers

Other Lobelia species, especially those with red flowers, though the flower shape is quite distinctive

It’s a favorite of hummingbirds. The bright red color attracts them