Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a bog plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis).
This plant has several common names including: cardinal flower, bog sage, hog’s physic, Indian pink, red bay, scarlet lobelia, slinkweed or water gladiole.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: cardinal flower, bog sage, hog’s physic, Indian pink, red bay, scarlet lobelia, slinkweed, water gladiole
Scientific name: Lobelia cardinalis
Plant type: Bogs, Perennials
Habit: Clump-forming
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Loam
Moisture: Poorly drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Whether small or large, formal or informal, every garden has space for an aquatic element. The sound and reflective qualities of water have long been used to add interest to gardens.
A pond, fountain or even a smaller water container greatly increases the variety of plants you can grow. In addition, they also encourage a wide variety of wildlife, including insects, frogs, toads and birds.
Together with plants, these elements offer a diversity of interests.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a plant that grows in loam conditions. It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Lobelia cardinalis likes to grow in humid or poorly drained soil.
Sunlight
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Hardyplants, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
