Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

American Beauties®

Brilliant Cardinal Red Spikes Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies All Summer Long
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 4 ft Tall, 2 ft Wide
Showy Red Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds

$34⁷⁰

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade. While it thrives in full sun in cooler northern climates, it benefits from afternoon shade in hotter southern zones to prevent stress. Aim for at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light for the most vibrant red blooms; too much shade results in leggy stems and fewer flowers.
Soil: This plant craves moisture and rich, organic soil. It is an excellent choice for wet areas where other plants struggle, such as rain gardens, stream banks, or pond edges. If planting in standard garden beds, amend sandy or clay soil generously with compost to ensure it holds moisture like a sponge.

Watering Requirements

Consistent moisture is non-negotiable for the Cardinal Flower. Keep the soil constantly damp, especially during the first season while roots establish. Even mature plants have zero drought tolerance; inconsistent watering will cause the plant to wilt rapidly, drop lower leaves, and produce stunted flower spikes.

Pruning Tips

Deadhead spent flower spikes by cutting them back to a set of healthy leaves to potentially encourage a small flush of reblooming. Since the plant relies on basal rosettes (low clumps of leaves) to survive winter, do not cut these low leaves back in late fall. instead, cut the tall, spent flower stalks down to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth takes off.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a layer of organic compost around the base of the plant in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid heavy fertilization late in the summer, as this encourages tender growth that won't have time to harden off before frost, potentially weakening the plant for winter.

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	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4 ft
Width	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
Species	cardinalis
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Power up your butterfly garden design with a charge from a bright red, native flower. The big and bold Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) draws your eye and adds a tremendous vertical accent to the garden!

In the wild, these natives grow near water, in ravines, stream banks, swamps, and low pastures. So you know they will do wonders in your landscape! The leafy green clumps form more and more spires with each passing year! Snip a few stems for your bouquets to add a vertical focal point indoors too!

Fabulous red flowers climb along a long spire from the bottom up, and act as beacons for jewel-toned hummingbirds and local butterflies! The long bloom time and rich nectar are quite showy! These wetland natives grow throughout USDA zones 3 to 9 and spread into 2-foot wide clumps of lush greenery with their tall spires full of long green foliage.

Planting and Application:

Outstanding back-of-the-border plants in the moist Cottage garden border or Rain Garden. Add another dimension to your garden by using them around your ponds and bogs adds another special dimension, where you can see the long red spears reflected in the water!

For the most powerful impact, we'd advise dedicating enough space to plant several of these in a gentle zig-zag or row, since groupings attract the attention! These are truly effective when massed together! Hummingbirds and pollinators love it, the bold red color pops and the strong vertical accent draws your eye. Win, win, win!

Attention-Grabbing Ruby Red Color
Long Bloom Season
Tidy & Tall Spreading Perennial Clumps
Attracts Butterflies & Hummingbirds
Dramatic Back of the Border, Specimens, Wetland Accents

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This is one of the showiest of all of our beloved North American prairie plants, and it tolerates moist soils. You don't even have to worry about the drainage of your soil as it tolerates moist living conditions beautifully. Plant in full sun for the strongest stems. These cold-hardy perennials will die back in the fall and need a good trim in the spring before new growth emerges. You can deadhead your plant to encourage new blooms all summer.

Full Sun
Grows Well in Moist Soils
Moderate Moisture Needs
Clean Mounds in Spring
Hardy Native Wetlands

Order the big bold blooms of the native Cardinal Flower and impress your pollinators and hummingbirds. Find these and other perennial showoffs at Nature Hills Nursery!

Because it's a native plant, it does a little "too well" in certain areas. Please know that Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ to ensure we follow all local, state and federal regulations for plants that can become invasive in your area. We've got you covered!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Cardinal Flower and does it like wet or dry conditions?

Cardinal Flower thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions, naturally growing near streams and swamps. This wetland native tolerates poor drainage and actually prefers moist soils over dry ones. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture, especially during dry spells.

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

Cardinal Flower establishes at a moderate pace, forming leafy green clumps that produce more spires each year. These wetland natives spread into 2-foot wide clumps over time in zones 3-9. For faster visual impact, plant several together in groupings rather than waiting for a single plant to fill space. Shop quality Cardinal Flower plants at naturehills.com.

Will deer eat Cardinal Flower or is it deer resistant?

Cardinal Flower is generally deer resistant due to its toxic alkaloids that make it unpalatable to browsing animals. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, these native perennials are rarely bothered by deer in zones 3-9. Plant them in your moist garden areas with confidence.

What size container does the Cardinal Flower come shipped in?

Cardinal Flowers typically ship in 4-inch containers as young plants. These hardy perennials will quickly establish and spread into 2-foot wide clumps with tall flowering spires. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best results.

Can Cardinal Flower be shipped to my state and what's the best planting time?

Cardinal Flower ships to all states within USDA zones 3-9 where it's winter hardy. Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall, giving it 6-8 weeks to establish before winter. Shop at Nature Hills for best selection and timing.

Does Cardinal Flower need fertilizer and what type of care does it require?

Cardinal Flower is a low-maintenance native that thrives without regular fertilization in its preferred moist soil conditions. This hardy perennial (zones 3-9) naturally tolerates wet areas where most plants struggle. Simply plant in full sun for strongest stems and ensure consistent moisture.

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis