Widely celebrated as the cardinal flower, lobelia cardinal has long graced the wet spots of landscapes in Europe and North America since the 17th century. Gifting this flower bestows an aura of distinction and dignity. It has also been linked to romance and passion.
The cardinal flower gets its unique name for its resemblance to the long, bright red robes worn by members of the church. The history of the flowers, their symbolism, and history, are as rich and bright as the flower itself. The cardinal flower has for long been linked with passion and romance for its flaming red color
All About The Cardinal Flower
The red cardinal flower symbolizes distinction. Gifting the flowers gives and sense of distinction and dignity. It is a good choice for special dates and anniversaries.
- Latin Name: Lobelia cadinalis L.
- Synonyms: Cardinal Lobelia, Red Lobelia, and Slinkweed.
- Native: The Americas, southeast Canada, Mexico, Central America.
- Invasiveness: No.
- Sunlight: Full to partial sun exposure.
- Water: loves rich, moist-to-wet soil.
- Soil: Moist to wet. Mulch helps retain much-needed moisture.
- Hardiness zone: It is hardy in zones 3 to 9.
- Planting period: Late fall or early spring. Should be placed in a freezer for 2 months to aid germination.
- Spacing: 8 to 12 inches.
- Plant Height: 30 to 36 inches tall and 10 to 18 inches wide.
- Bloom period: Summer to early fall.
- Time to maturity: Begins blooming in early summer and peaks in mid and late summer.
- Container friendly: Not a common choice but can be done in large, well-draining pots.
- Fertilizer: Not required. Organic material and compost in late winter and early spring suffice.
- Toxicity: Yes. To both pets and humans, but only if consumed in large quantities.
- Deer resistant: Its bitter taste makes it an unlikely choice for deer.
- Pest and disease resistant: A very hardy plant but affected by diseases and pests if not cared for.
How To Grow Cardinal Flowers
The cardinal flower, a perennial plant, grows to a height of 1 to 6 feet with striking red blooms on 8-inch terminal spikes. Each flower features three lower petals and two upper petals converging at the base. The plant’s stems are erect and leafy, often found in clusters, with flowers developing first at the base of the central stem. Unfortunately, over-picking has made this beautiful wildflower scarce in many areas. Its long tubular flowers are difficult for insects to navigate, but hummingbirds with their long beaks can access the nectar and aid in pollination.
Cardinal flowers thrive in medium to high water conditions with moist or wet, humus-rich soil. They can grow in various soil types, including medium or clay loam, sandstone, sand or sandy loam, and clayey soil. While they tolerate both heat and cold, they have low tolerance for dry, drought-like conditions. In northern climates, winter mulching is necessary to keep the plants healthy. These flowers grow well in wet areas such as pond edges and can even tolerate moderate flooding. In northern regions, they can handle full sun, but in areas with warm summers, partial shade is recommended. Applying mulch helps preserve moisture and protect the roots, making cardinal flowers relatively easy to grow with the right conditions.
Growing Cardinal Flowers In Containers
Though cardinal flowers are not a common choice when it comes to planting in pots and various containers, it can be done. You will need a fairly large, well-drained pot containing a normal potting mix. The moisture-loving plant requires regular watering when kept in containers.
They should not be moved indoors during winters but moved to a sheltered outdoor location. Cardinal flowers stay fresh if placed in a clean, scrubbed flower vase. The stems should be cut at an angle of 45 degrees when underwater. The water should be changed frequently to prevent.
When To Start Cardinal Flower Seeds
Starting cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. Begin the process in late winter, about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. This timing allows the seedlings to develop sufficiently before being transplanted outdoors. Cardinal flower seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, gently press the seeds onto the surface of a moist seed-starting mix. Keep the seed trays in a warm, bright location, ideally with temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C), and ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Using a clear plastic cover or placing the seed trays in a plastic bag can help maintain humidity, which is beneficial for germination. Germination can take 20-30 days, so patience is key. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions through a process known as hardening off. This involves placing the seedlings outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to the outdoor environment over the course of a week or two. After the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, the hardened-off seedlings can be transplanted into the garden, ensuring they are placed in a location with moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun.
When To Plant Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flowers are best planted in the spring or early fall, depending on your climate and the method of planting. For regions with mild winters, early fall planting allows the plants to establish a strong root system before the onset of winter. This timing ensures they can take full advantage of the cooler, wetter conditions of fall, leading to robust growth in the following spring. When planting in the spring, wait until the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. This typically means planting in late spring to early summer, ensuring that the young plants are not exposed to freezing temperatures that could hinder their growth.
If you are starting cardinal flowers from seeds, sow them indoors in late winter, about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. This gives the seedlings a head start, allowing them to develop enough to be transplanted outdoors once the weather is favorable. When transplanting seedlings or nursery plants, choose a location with moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Cardinal flowers thrive in consistently moist environments, so planting them near water features like ponds or streams can be beneficial. Whether planting in spring or fall, proper site preparation and ensuring adequate moisture will help your cardinal flowers flourish.
How To Collect Cardinal Flower Seeds
Collecting and storing cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) seeds is a straightforward process that ensures you can propagate these beautiful plants for future seasons. To begin, wait until late summer or early fall when the flower spikes have faded and the seed pods start to dry and turn brown. Carefully cut the entire flower stalk and place it in a paper bag to catch any seeds that may fall during handling. Let the stalks dry completely in a cool, dry place for about one to two weeks. Once dry, gently shake or tap the stalks over a clean surface or inside the paper bag to release the tiny seeds.
After collecting the seeds, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their viability. Place the seeds in a paper envelope or a small paper bag to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mold. Label the envelope with the date and plant type. Store the seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a refrigerator or a cool basement. Properly stored cardinal flower seeds can remain viable for up to two years, allowing you to sow them in late winter or early spring for germination. This method ensures you have a ready supply of seeds to continue growing these stunning flowers in your garden.
Wildlife Attracted By Cardinal Flowers
Cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) are a magnet for various wildlife, notably hummingbirds, which are their primary pollinators. The flowers’ long, tubular shape and vibrant red color are perfectly suited to hummingbirds’ beaks, allowing these energetic birds to easily access the nectar and facilitate pollination. Butterflies, especially larger species like swallowtails, are also attracted to the rich nectar and contribute to pollination, though to a lesser extent.
While bees may find the tubular flowers challenging, bumblebees and solitary bees occasionally visit, enhancing garden biodiversity. Additionally, various insects such as moths and flies are drawn to the flowers, providing a broader ecological benefit.
Other wildlife, including insectivorous birds, amphibians, and frogs, are indirectly attracted to cardinal flowers due to the insects they attract. These flowers, especially when planted near water features, create an inviting habitat for amphibians like frogs and toads, which help with pest control. The presence of cardinal flowers enhances the ecological health of the garden by supporting a diverse range of species, making them a valuable addition for anyone looking to boost garden biodiversity and enjoy the vibrant interactions of local wildlife.
Common Problems
The most common problem with planting cardinal flowers is controlling the quantity of water. Water should be generous, but there should be sufficient drainage. Soil should dry up in between watering.
Overwatering can lead to tissue death and browning. It can also cause root rot. Pest infestation from scale insects and mealybugs will cause a sooty, black, mold. Spider mites can infest plants in summer. It leads to yellow leaves and a whitish spider web. Other uncommon pests and diseases include leaf blight, aphids, rust disease, scale insects, and slugs.
Removing healthy foliage during pruning can slow down the blooming process, so one must be careful. Insufficient fertilizing can lead to a lack of blooming and unsaturated colors.
The bright showiness and flaming red color of the cardinal flower makes it attractive both as an ornamental plant and also as a strikingly attractive floral gift. With its long medicinal history in its native land and its symbolic uniqueness, it is apparent that the long-enduring popularity of the flower will remain for a long time.
