The flowers of Lobelia cardinalis are probably the most brilliant scarlet on a garden flower. Cardinal flower is native to the eastern and southern United States, roughly from the Canadian maritime provinces to Minnesota, and south to Texas and the Gulf States. L. cardinalis is growing increasingly rare in its natural habitats, so avoid relocating plants from native stands. It prefers uniformly moist soils and is often seen naturally around stream beds, ponds and bogs. Home gardeners should consider it as a marginal plant for water ponds and features.
Lobelia is visited by hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
Culture notes Propagate by dividing basal rosettes and replanting them in late fall, after flowering has ceased. Discard the old, woody central portion of the plant. Remove the first flower spike as it fades to encourage side shoots, which extend the blooming season. Fertilize when the first flower spike is removed. Divide clumps at least every three years.