Their flowering stalks arise from flat green winter rosettes, and provide rich jewel tones admired by gardeners and hummingbirds alike. Lobelias generally begin flowering in midsummer on tall stalks, and may last into the early fall. Be sure to leave the winter rosettes unmulched. In late July to early August, the upright stalks are topped with compact heads of rich purple flowers.
Cardinal flowers perform best in moist to damp soils.
This 1986 cardinal flower introduction from Thurman Maness was originally found by H.S. Bradley. This is the latest color selection in the Benary's lobelia hybrids. These hybrids, which include our native L. cardinalis and L. speciosa, are renowned for their large flowers and unique color range. Cardinal flowers are best in moist soils in plenty of sun. Beginning in late July, this denizen of swamps bursts into a 4' stem topped with clear-white tubular flowers.