perennial · design plant record

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower

Tall red late-season flower spikes for a moist border.

Photographs show the source plant or captioned cultivar, season and setting. They do not document one of our illustrative garden layouts as a built project.

Height at maturity

1.22–1.52 m (4–5 ft)

Spread at maturity

0.3–0.61 m (1–2 ft)

Light

Sun / Part shade

Moisture

Moist, draining soil / Wet-soil tolerance (check details)

Source-reported USDA zones

3–9 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Autumn, Summer

Fit it to the site

Rich, reliably moist soil; some afternoon shade helps in heat.

Do not substitute into a drought border. Brief-flood tolerance does not certify a permanently submerged site.

Keep the care in the decision

Keep the root zone from drying and inspect crowns through seasonal growth.

Origin & safety checks

Eastern United States. Confirm local native range and restrictions.

The source flags poisonous parts or harmful exposure. Check the exact plant and household exposure before purchase; no edible or pet-safe use is inferred.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.