Cardinal Flower is one of the most beautiful and popular wildflowers for a moist, sunny or partly shaded spot in the perennial border, meadow, rain garden or alongside a stream. Brilliant red flowers from July through September are a favorite feeding ground for hummingbirds.
Best to combined with perennials like Chelone, Conoclinum coelestinum, Eupatorium, Lobelia siphilitica, Monarda, Physostegia, tall Phlox.
Tends to be short-lived, but self-sow prolifically, so expect to have babies, while the original plant may disappears. Plant form rosettes of evergreen leaves, foliage contains alkaloids which are very toxic to humans if ingested.
Blooming time : July to September
Size : up to 2-4’ tall x 1-2’ wide
USDA zones : 3 to 9
Culture : part shade, prefers some shade during the day, sun in permanently moist soil
Moisture Needs : medium, moist
Origin : most of the states, except Northwest, see the USDA distribution map. Can be found close to the water, moist open woodlands, wet prairies, swales, floodplain, soggy meadows, along rivers and streams, springs, borders of ponds, edges of small marshes, and ditches.
Deer/rabbit resistant : yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators : Black Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail), Pipevine Swallowtail. Sometimes the larger bumblebees and Halictid, the caterpillars of Pink-washed Looper Moth also feed on the leaves
Attracts Hummingbirds : yes, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
Pot size : 3.5" x 4" perennial pot
