Since most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers, Cardinal Flower depends on hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar, for pollination. Its common name alludes to the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

Cardinal flower – striking spikes of color attract pollinators, while some varieties of these easy to grow plants thrive in boggy, wet places in the garden. The long lasting blooms provide a feat for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the later part of the summer into fall.

Cardinal flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Although it has been used for medicinal purposes, the cardinal flower is potentially toxic to humans and other mammals.

Deer do not eat plants that have a bitter taste The Lobelia Red Cardinal Flower contains a bitter taste that will make the deer think twice before eating that one again!

Cardinal flowers begin blooming in early summer and peak in mid- to late summer. Clip out the flower stems when they are done blooming, or leave them in place if you want the plants to self-sow. You’ll have to pull back the mulch so the seeds can fall directly onto the soil if you want seedlings.

Do not cut plants back in fall. Mulch lightly. While moisture-loving during the growing season, excess moisture can kill plants overwinter.

You can propagate the cardinal flower from seeds, divisions, and stem cuttings. Seeds usually ripen in the fall about seven weeks after forming. Harvest the brown seed capsules from the lower portions of the flowering stalk even when the flowers are still in bloom or bud farther up the stalk.

Because the cardinal flower is naturally found in wet areas, keeping the soil evenly moist is key to their health These perennials are short-lived with a lifespan around three to four years long. Allowing your cardinal flowers to reseed themselves is ideal.

The Cardinal plant blooms in summer and the flowers 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.

Germination should occur within 2 weeks. You can plant your seedlings in your garden, 12 inches apart, after your last frost.

Cardinal flowers can be transplanted in spring when danger of frost has past. Transplanted cardinal flowers usually do not bloom until the plant has been in the ground for two years. Select a sunny to partial shade location to transplant cardinal flowers.

Deadheading flowers is very simple. As plants fade out of bloom, pinch or cut off the flower stem below the spent flower and just above the first set of full, healthy leaves. Repeat with all the dead flowers on the plant. Sometimes it may be easier to deadhead plants by shearing them back entirely.

Spread organic mulch around the plants in late fall or winter for protection from freezing in winter. The basal leaves should not be covered. If the plants are covered with heavy mulch, they will rot; therefore, it’s better to use light straw or mulch that can be tucked under the leaves.

In general, the Cardinal Flower will live for 2-4 years, similar to Spotted Bee Balm. It is a short-lived perennial, and I generally start some new plants or direct sow each year to ensure I have some bloom. But in early Spring new seeds will germinate, and will stay very tiny until night-time temperatures warm up.

Deer resistant. Great Blue Lobelia (also called Blue Cardinal Flower) is a tough, hardy perennial with large leaves and gorgeous, light blue blooms.