Cardinal Flower

About this plant

The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a showstopping perennial that brings a splash of brilliant scarlet to any garden. Its upright wands of intensely red, tubular flowers appear from mid-summer through early fall, creating a dramatic focal point. Plant in moist locations, such as along stream banks, pond edges, or in rain gardens, where its beauty can truly shine. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, Cardinal Flower is a vital plant for local ecosystems. Its uniquely shaped flowers are perfectly adapted to attract hummingbirds, which are primary pollinators, providing a spectacular show as these tiny birds dart among the blooms. Butterflies are also frequent visitors, drawn to the nectar-rich blossoms. This robust perennial thrives in partial shade to full sun, provided it receives consistent moisture. It forms attractive clumps of rich green foliage, adding texture even when not in bloom. A relatively low-maintenance plant, Cardinal Flower is an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and a burst of unforgettable color to moist garden areas.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easy to care for. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate plants.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.