Cardinal FlowerThe Cardinal flower grows in the wild around or near water, namely on the banks of ponds or streams, and even in marshes and bogs – they like a lot of water, and will not grow well if you do not keep them moist.
It bears large masses of extremely beautiful and exotic spiked flowers that look unique and will bring a touch of the exotic to any garden. The leaves are generally of an attractive burgundy color. And it's not just the plants and foliage and flowers that will add to the attractiveness of your garden, because these plants are great attractors of butterflies and hummingbirds when they are in bloom, and these beautiful little creatures will add another interest to the beauty of your garden environment. This plant blooms in summer and the blooms will last right through until early fall. The plant can grow to a height of between three to four feet high and will spread out to about three feet in diameter. Blue Cardinal flower love the water and the sun, but will do well if you provide some shade in the hottest part of the day. Remember that though Cardinal flower prospers in moist soil, the soil should never be water-logged – as every gardener knows, this will most likely cause the leaves to rot. Plant these interesting species in groups for maximum effect – they look exceedingly beautiful when planted like this, and when also planted with other species and plants that provide contrast. For example, the Hibiscus 'kopper king' or the Veronica 'royal candles', among others. Care of the plantGenerally speaking, the blooming period of this plant is quite long, and under ideal conditions can last up to nearly a month. These plants bloom from July to around September and the blossoms grow on stalks that can rise up to four feet high. These flowers like the shade and the plant itself will usually self sow. Generally speaking though, using division to propagate Cardinal flower is a far more effective way to ensure that you will have the plant in your garden the next year. You will also find 'dead heading' and pruning the plant to be quite effective in encouraging a second round of flowers. The flowers are very attractive display pieces, and when placed in a saucer of water will attract hummingbirds almost close enough to touch. I would recommend Hostas, Ferns and Astilbe as companion plants for this species. SoilIt is crucially important to mulch in winter. Use a soil mixture in compost for this and place it around the crown. Mulching is also extremely useful in summer as it tends to keep the roots moist and fairly cool, thus protecting them from the summer heat. How to Cardinal FlowerThis perennial is a native of North America and therefore is right at home in most northern climates. It is best planted on borders, both of flower and shrub beds, and it's bright flowers are extremely attractive. It is also very easy to grow, and so is a good plant for the amateur gardener. Two things you have to remember about maintenance is that this plant will need fertilizer every spring, preferably something of the organic variety, and that it will need maintenance every fall – a cutting back of the older stems to the ground. You can use bypass pruners to do this, and be very careful not to damage any new growth. To sum upCardinal flower is a member of the Lobelia family. Lobelia like rich, moist well drained soil. In their natural setting they are found near streams, ponds and boggy areas. They do like to stay on the moist side. These flowers for shade are attractors of butterflies and their red flowers will certainly attract hummingbirds. The blooms will last at least three weeks in ideal conditions. Bloom time is around July to September. The blooms rise above the leaves 3 to 4 feet, and the plant will spread 1 to 2 feet.
As always, mulch with a compost rich soil mixture to feed and protect the crown in Winter. Mulching will keep the roots cool and moist in the heat of the Summer. These flowers are a great container plant. Displayed on a deck in a saucer of water will attract hummingbirds up close and personal. Ferns, hostas and astilbe are good companion plants. More Photos of Cardinal flower
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This plant belongs to the Lobelia family, most members of which share these same characteristics.
It will self sow, however, division in spring or fall is a better way to ensure you'll have an abundant supply of red flowers year after year. You can prune after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second blooming.
