Cardinal Flower captivates with its intense scarlet blooms, lighting up late-summer wetlands and garden edges. Its tall, unbranched spikes of brilliant red flowers attract hummingbirds like magnets, adding motion and color to any moist planting area.
A native of streambanks, wet meadows, and low woodlands, this species flourishes in full sun to partial shade with consistent soil moisture. Though short-lived, it self-seeds freely, ensuring its fiery presence year after year.
Identification : Erect spikes of bright red tubular flowers; lance-shaped leaves; unbranched stems.
Bloom Time: July–September
Mature Height2–4 feet.
Growth Rate: Moderate; short-lived perennial that reseeds readily.
Site Preferences: Full sun to partial shade; moist to wet soils.
Wildlife Value : Premier nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Cultural Presence: Ideal for rain gardens, streambanks, and pollinator plantings; admired for its brilliant color and wildlife appeal.
Cardinal Flower captivates with its intense scarlet blooms, lighting up late-summer wetlands and garden edges. Its tall, unbranched spikes of brilliant red flowers attract hummingbirds like magnets, adding motion and color to any moist planting area.
A native of streambanks, wet meadows, and low woodlands, this species flourishes in full sun to partial shade with consistent soil moisture. Though short-lived, it self-seeds freely, ensuring its fiery presence year after year.
Identification : Erect spikes of bright red tubular flowers; lance-shaped leaves; unbranched stems.
Bloom Time: July–September
Mature Height2–4 feet.
Growth Rate: Moderate; short-lived perennial that reseeds readily.
Site Preferences: Full sun to partial shade; moist to wet soils.
Wildlife Value : Premier nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Cultural Presence: Ideal for rain gardens, streambanks, and pollinator plantings; admired for its brilliant color and wildlife appeal.
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