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. The brilliant red flowers that bloom from July through September are a favorite feeding ground for hummingbirds.
It tends to be short-lived, but will self-sow prolifically, so expect it to have babies although the original plant may disappear. The plants grow in rosettes of evergreen leaves; the foliage contains alkaloids which are very toxic to humans if ingested.
Best combined with perennials like Chelone, Conoclinum coelestinum, Eupatorium, Lobelia siphilitica, Monarda, Physostegia, or tall Phlox.
Blooming Time: July to SeptemberSize: up to 2-4’ tall x 1-2’ wideUSDA Zones: 3 to 9Culture: part shade, prefers some shade during the day, full sun in permanently moist soilMoisture Needs: medium, moistOrigin: most of the states, except in the Northwest (see the USDA distribution map). Can be found close to 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 / yesAttracts Butterflies or Pollinators: Black Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail), Pipevine Swallowtail. Sometimes larger bumblebees and Halictid; the caterpillars of Pink-washed Looper Moth also feed on the leaves.Attracts Hummingbirds: yes, Ruby-Throated HummingbirdsPot Size: 3.5″ x 4″ perennial pot
