Cardinal Flower plant profile
Lobelia cardinalis
A perennial flower for partial sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flower sends up brilliant red flower spikes from late summer into mid-fall (NC State: July to October), a hummingbird favorite. Plant or divide in spring in consistently moist to wet soil; it tolerates part shade to full sun.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Cardinal Flower in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Partial sun
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zones 3a to 9bFind my hardiness zone
Next steps
Continue with Cardinal Flower
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (NC State Extension). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) entry
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.