Black Truffle Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'

Nature Hills Nursery

Dramatic Dark Foliage Makes Scarlet Blooms Pop on this Lobelia Black Cultivar
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 3-4 ft Tall
Showy Red Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most intense dark purple foliage, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light). While it handles partial shade well, especially in the afternoon heat of the South, the leaves may shift toward a dark green rather than the signature chocolate-burgundy.
Soil: This plant thrives in rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist. If you have heavy clay, add compost to improve drainage while retaining moisture; if your soil is sandy, mix in peat moss to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year to ensure the roots establish deeply. Once mature, Black Truffle can handle short periods of dry soil, but you will notice smaller flower spikes and scorched leaf edges if it goes thirsty. In wet areas or near water features, this plant is perfectly at home and requires very little supplemental water.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on new growth, so the best time to prune is in early spring just as new green shoots appear at the base. Cut back the dead stems from the previous year to about 2 inches above the ground to make room for fresh stalks. This cleanup act is like clearing a stage, allowing the vibrant red blooms to take center stage without being hidden by old, woody debris.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as the plant emerges to fuel its vigorous summer growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force soft, tender growth that won't harden off properly before the first frost. A simple application of compost around the base each spring is often all this native hybrid needs to thrive.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Wet Soils, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts pollinators, Deer-resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive, Fast-growing, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Red
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Species	cardinalis
Cultivar	Black Truffle
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Valuable wetland color and hummingbird magnets, this easy-care perennial is a "Power Player" in your moist soil landscape! It's one of the most colorful cultivars of our native wildflowers!

Starting in early summer, the Black Truffle Cardinal Flower PP#25687 (Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle') features tall spires of scarlet red, trumpet-shaped blooms. The showy display lasts for months, all the way through to the first frost.

The dramatically dark foliage is a burgundy-tinged dark green that appears nearly black! It's the perfect backdrop for those brilliant red blooms! Tall wands rise up fast each year as these perennials gradually form clumps 18 - 24 inches wide. Cardinal Flower is an easy-to-grow specimen and very low-maintenance too!

Landscape Application:

Count on the dramatic black foliage to add deep, dark visual interest! Use several to amplify the effect! These can also be grown in a showy Cottage border, mixed perennial border with adequate supplemental water, or anywhere in the sun that needs a tall pop of color. Partner with Henry's Garnet or Scentlandia Sweetspire, and pump up the impact with a Choco Latte Hardy Hibiscus.

In the wild, Cardinal Plants grow in ravines, swamps, and low-lying pastures. They decorate stream banks and entice local pollinators and hummingbirds with their tubular-shaped, bright red flowers. Hummingbirds love the color red, and this plant sends a siren's call to them! So you'll definitely want to use this variety in your garden design. Bring your camera and track how many flying visitors you get!

Best of all? This beautiful perennial plant grows beautifully in clay soils that stay wet. Add to those low-lying areas of your yard, or at the water's edge. The brilliant red flowers and lushly dark foliage add dimension and texture to a water feature. Plant Black Truffle at the edge of a stream where you'll enjoy the reflected blooms in the water. Plant by the gutter downspout where they drain or create an entire Rain Garden to showcase this incredible specimen!

More prosaically, Black Truffle is a safe choice for use near septic tank drain fields. Might as well turn that area into a garden asset, right? Use several to make a showy display. Space them 12 inches apart, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next.

Cardinal Flowers and other wetland plants help filter runoff from roofs and streets. People are looking to use their landscape in a way to solve ecological challenges. Add color to soil retention and shoreline reclamation projects. They can be very effective in long, narrow drifts behind lighter-colored wetland plants like Evergold Sedge, or try them in front of taller Swamp Milkweed.

Eye-Catching Color Combo - Nearly Black Foliage & Bold Red Flowers
Enjoy Flowers for Months
Attract Butterflies & Hummingbirds Adore This Plant
Tolerates Wet Soils, Rain Gardens, Ponds & Wetlands
Garden Focal Points, Back of the Border Accents & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower grows in both full sun in cooler climates and locations with consistent high moisture, or partial shade for drier or hotter growing zones. It will need at least 4 to six hours of sunlight a day for the best color and flowering. Plant these perennials throughout USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8 and watch them reach their full 3-4 foot height fast!

This plant requires a high amount of moisture for best performance. Add a three-inch layer of mulch over the top of the root zones in average garden soil. Give it supplemental water in times of drought. We recommend that you allow the dried foliage to stand over winter for protection. Wait until early spring to do light cleanup and trimming of spent leaves.

Performs in Full Sun or Partial Shade
Well-Drained Soil Of Any Kind
Moderate to High Moisture Needs - Can Tolerate Occasionally Wet Soil
Appreciates Mulched Beds
Deadhead For Repeat Bloom & Prune Down In Fall
Fast Growing Easy-Care Perennial

You'll love the positive impact that the Black Truffle Cardinal Flower has on your garden design. Include the bold color and majesty of these grand, upright perennials! Use them with pride in your landscape this season. Order Black Truffle Cardinal Flower today at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Black Truffle Cardinal Flower grow in?

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. This native perennial handles both cold winters and hot summers while providing continuous blooms from early summer through first frost. Plant in moist to wet soils for best performance.

How tall and wide does Black Truffle Cardinal Flower get at maturity?

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower reaches 18-24 inches wide at maturity, with tall flower spikes rising above the foliage clump each year. The dramatic red blooms on dark stems create excellent vertical interest in moist soil areas. Shop at Nature Hills for this hummingbird magnet.

Does Black Truffle Cardinal Flower prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. While it can handle some shade, full sun produces the most abundant blooms and strongest flower spikes. Plant in sunny spots with consistent moisture for best performance.

How often should I water Black Truffle Cardinal Flower and does it need consistently moist soil?

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower thrives in consistently moist to wet soil and rarely needs supplemental watering once established in suitable locations. This wetland native naturally grows in swamps and stream banks where soil stays saturated. Plant in low-lying areas, near downspouts, or create a rain garden for best results.

Is Black Truffle Cardinal Flower a fast-growing or slow-growing perennial?

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower sends up tall wands quickly each year, making it a fast-growing perennial. The plants gradually spread to form 18-24 inch wide clumps over time. You'll see blooms starting in early summer that last until frost, available at naturehills.com.

Is Black Truffle Cardinal Flower deer resistant or will deer eat it?

Cardinal flowers are generally deer resistant due to their bitter taste and toxic compounds. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, these native perennials are rarely browsed by deer in most gardens. Plant them confidently in your landscape, but consider fencing if deer pressure is extremely high in your area.

What are the best companion plants to grow with Black Truffle Cardinal Flower?

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower pairs beautifully with Henry's Garnet Sweetspire, Scentlandia Sweetspire, and Choco Latte Hardy Hibiscus for maximum impact. These moisture-loving companions complement the dramatic dark foliage and create stunning combinations in wet soil areas. Plant them together in rain gardens or near water features.

Will Black Truffle Cardinal Flower tolerate wet or boggy soil conditions?

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower thrives in wet and boggy conditions, making it perfect for clay soils that stay consistently moist. This native perennial naturally grows in swamps, ravines, and stream banks in the wild. Plant it in your wettest problem areas or create a rain garden for best results.

Black Truffle Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'