Overview
Lobelia cardinalis is a trailing, bushy perennial in the genus Lobelia, part of the Campanulaceae family, with green foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Lobelia cardinalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include borders, containers and hanging baskets. It is native to Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Belize, California, Colombia, Colorado, Connecticut, Costa Rica, Delaware, District of Columbia and El Salvador.
About
Lobelia cardinalis, the cardinal flower, is a species of flowering plant in the bellflower family Campanulaceae native to the Americas, from southeastern Canada south through the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia cardinalis
About the genus
Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae comprising 444 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lobelia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lobelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Lobelia cardinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Trailing, Bushy
- Foliage
- Green
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Hanging baskets
- Native to
- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Belize, California, Colombia, Colorado, Connecticut, Costa Rica, Delaware, District of Columbia, El Salvador
- Toxicity
- Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lobelia cardinalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, rich soil and partial shade; requires consistent moisture; can be grown in rain gardens or near water features
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seeds, Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Root rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lobelia cardinalis?
Prefers moist, rich soil and partial shade; requires consistent moisture; can be grown in rain gardens or near water features.
Where is the best place to plant Lobelia cardinalis?
Lobelia cardinalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lobelia cardinalis need?
Lobelia cardinalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Lobelia cardinalis?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How big does Lobelia cardinalis grow?
Lobelia cardinalis reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Lobelia cardinalis hardy in the UK?
Lobelia cardinalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Lobelia cardinalis?
Seeds, Cuttings.
Is Lobelia cardinalis toxic?
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
More in the Lobelia genus
- Hypsela reniformis
- Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'Lobelia
- Lobelia syphiliticaGreat Blue Lobelia
- Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'Great Blue Lobelia
- Lobelia × vedrariensis
- Pratia pedunculata 'County Park'Blue Star Creeper
- Lobelia 'Bees' Flame'
- Lobelia 'Cherry Ripe'