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Lobelia, Cardinal Flower 'Minnesota Native'

Lobelia, Cardinal Flower 'Minnesota Native'

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SKU
NR1755-C
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Sun Preference
Part-Sun
Bloom or Harvest Time
July, August, September
As low as: $0.00

Description

This lobelia produces flaming red wands of flowers. One of the very best plants for attracting hummingbirds. Moist to wet soils.

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Discover an unparalleled selection of perennials at Gertens! With the largest variety in Minnesota, we offer endless options of colorful perennials, natives, and pollinator plants to beautify your garden year after year. From vibrant flowers to lush foliage, our perennials are perfect for adding beauty and charm to your outdoor space. Visit Gertens today and see why we're known as Minnesota's Destination Garden Center!

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Details

Cardinal Flower | Lobelia cardinalis

Plant Height:  24 inches

Flower Height:  3 feet

Spacing:  20 inches

Sunlight: Partial Shade

Hardiness Zone:  3b

Brand:  Gertens

Description:

When of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds; large deep red blossoms; prefers moist to wet soil

Ornamental Features

Cardinal Flower features showy spikes of scarlet flowers rising above the foliage from mid summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its pointy leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Cardinal Flower is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Self-Seeding

Cardinal Flower is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Cardinal Flower will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 20 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 3 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should be grown in a location with partial shade or which is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

More Information

Bloom or Harvest Time July, August, September
Sun Preference Part-Sun
USDA Hardiness Zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Common Family Name Lobelia
Mature Spread (Range) 12" - 24"
Mature Height (Range) 25" - 36"

Product Questions (15)

Gertens carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, water plants, house plants, edibles, cacti/succulents, seasonal blooming holiday plants and a wide variety of bulbs and seeds!
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season (spring – fall/frost). Perennials are plants that live for more than two growing seasons. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. ...
Hardiness is the capacity of a cultivated plant to withstand adverse conditions, usually its tolerance of low temperature. Plants are given a hardiness rating by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 11 zones based on the coldest or warmest temperature...
Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees to your garden is best done with flowering plants, usually native perennials and grasses. Grasses can provide habitat, while flowering natives provide nectar. There are also a variety of annuals and tropical...
A short list of perennials that will attract butterflies includes Yarrow, Coneflowers, Blazing Star, Asters, Milkweed, Butterfly weed, Black-eyed Susan and Bee balm aka Monarda. These are all hardy to Minnesota. Check ...
To take care of a butterfly bush during the fall put the plant in a pot and bring it inside (an unheated garage is fine) during winter. Deadhead as necessary. Water once a month.
A short list of perennials that do well in shade include Coral Bell, Astilbe, Aralia, Snakeroot, Hosta, Ferns, Bleeding Hearts and more. To view more perennials found at Gertens, click ...
Monarch butterflies are attracted to all types of native Milkweed. The female Monarch lays her eggs only on Milkweeds - plants in the Asclepias genus - where the caterpillars will hatch, feed and grow before forming a chrysalis. Adults also love Butterfly...
A perennial that is less hardy to your hardiness zone can be brought indoors for winter in a pot appropriate for its size. You don’t want the plant roots to dry out for long periods, but don’t let the soil be soggy. Water about once a month and watch...
Yes, an unheated garage should be just enough extra protection for zone 5 plants. Don’t let the plant dry out for long periods, water it about once a month. To find out what hardiness zone you are in, click ...
Yes, you can overwater plants. Especially in pots but also in the ground, however, planting in the ground allows for better water dispersion so the odds of overwatering are less. Low lying areas may be more prone to flooding. Areas with clay soil also...
A rough estimate for the last frost date here in zone 4b is the first week of May. This is not exact, as Minnesota weather can be variable, but it does help for plantings.
Hummingbirds drink nectar through their long tongue and prefer to drink out of long tubular flowers. A Mandevilla plant is a great example. ...
Generally, Japanese beetles are not going after the perennials. They like trees, roses, vines. Grape vines are one of their favorites, as are roses. But they have been seen on milkweed flowers, green bean leaves and more. Japanese...
Once you get the plant home, dig a hole in the ground twice as wide as the pot it’s in. Loosen the soil, and then pat root stimulator on the roots. Plant in the hole at the same...
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