Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 22, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a North American native perennial bearing tall spikes of vivid scarlet-red flowers with a distinctive two-lipped form. It naturally colonizes stream banks and moist woodland edges across eastern North America. An outstanding hummingbird plant and bold accent for rain gardens and wet borders. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Wet
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Prefers full sun to part shade; performs best with at least 4–6 hours of direct sun in NE Florida, though light afternoon shade helps protect blooms from intense summer heat. Avoid deep shade, which reduces flowering significantly.
Requires consistently moist to wet soil — do not allow the crown to dry out. Excellent for rain gardens, pond edges, and wet borders in NE Florida. Water deeply and frequently, especially during dry periods.
Thrives in moist, humus-rich, acidic soil typical of NE Florida stream banks and wetland edges. Amend sandy soils with compost to retain moisture. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; heavy feeding is not required.
Similar needs
Swamp Milkweed
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Mint
Shares 6 of the same needs: similar light, high water, loam, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Elephant Ear
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, high water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Canna Lily
Shares 5 of the same needs: high water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Skyflower
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, high water, and sandy.
Water Hyssop
Shares 5 of the same needs: high water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Cardinal Flower a good plant for St. Augustine?
Cardinal Flower is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 2-5 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.