Lobelia x speciosa Vedrariensis (Cardinal Flower)
Perfect for the summer garden, Lobelia x speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ (Cardinal Flower) is a vigorous, upright perennial featuring long spires of dark violet flowers atop dark green leaves flushed with purple from midsummer to early fall. The blossoms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Adding vertical interest to the landscape, Cardinal Flowers are excellent border plants for damp or wet locations.
Perfect for the summer garden, Lobelia x speciosa 'Vedrariensis' (Cardinal Flower) is a vigorous, upright perennial featuring long spires of dark violet flowers atop dark green leaves flushed with purple from midsummer to early fall. The blossoms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Adding vertical interest to the landscape, Cardinal Flowers are excellent border plants for damp or wet locations.
- Grows up to 3-4 feet tall (90-120 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm).
- Performs best in deep, rich moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade. If enough moisture is available, it will thrive in the sun. In drier soils, it should be planted in part shade.
- A welcomed addition to beds and borders, containers, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens or near ponds or streams.
- Keep an eye out for slugs and crown rot. Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Deadheading spent blooms will improve the overall appearance of the plant and may promote reblooming. Cut back after flowering.
- Propagate by division or by seed. Seed can be sown in very early spring. Seed may not come true to type.
- Ingestion may cause discomfort. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lobelia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ – 36″ (30cm – 90cm) |
| Water Needs | Average, High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |