What does Lobelia cardinalis look like?

What does Lobelia cardinalis look like?

They may be a medium green or slightly bronzed or purple-tinged, and very shiny. Cardinal flower produces leafy inflorescences 3-6 feet tall from midsummer to fall. The flowers are a brilliant red. Each erect terminal raceme is covered with numerous five-lobed flowers.

Will cardinal flower spread?

Cardinal flower is a member of the Lobelia family and Lobelia like rich, moist, well drained soil. In their natural setting they are found near streams, ponds, and boggy areas. The blooms rise above the leaves 3 to 4 feet, and the plant will spread 1 to 2 feet.

Are cardinal flowers perennials?

This 1-6 ft. perennial has showy, red flowers in 8 in., terminal spikes. Since most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers, Cardinal Flower depends on hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar, for pollination. Its common name alludes to the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

Are cardinal flowers hard to grow?

With decent light, well-saturated soil, and a bit of propagating, you can grow these bright red flowers for years on end. It’s also handy that cardinal flowers are generally not plagued by common pests or diseases, making them easier to cultivate.

Do cardinals like sun or shade?

Cardinal flowers grow best in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, except in cool areas where they need full sun. They need a moist, fertile soil and perform best if you work plenty of organic matter into the soil before planting.

Is cardinal flower poisonous to dogs?

What is Cardinal Flower Poisoning? Although these beautiful red perennials have been used for medicine, the cardinal flower is actually very toxic to people as well as dogs and other animals.

Is cardinal flower toxic to dogs?

Although these beautiful red perennials have been used for medicine, the cardinal flower is actually very toxic to people as well as dogs and other animals. It is common to see the cardinal flower growing anywhere in the United States and Canada along the banks of streams and rivers as well as in gardens.

Do I cut back cardinal flowers in the fall?

Maintenance and care: Pinch back if you want bushier, more compact plants. Keep soil moist during summer dry spells. Afternoon shade is beneficial if soil is dry. Do not cut plants back in fall.

Should you deadhead cardinal flowers?

Deadhead to improve appearance and encourage rebloom. Because plants are short-lived some reseeding is desirable. Pinch back if you want bushier, more compact plants. Keep soil moist during summer dry spells.

Are cardinal flowers edible?

Some flowers are toxic, here is a list of the most common toxic plants, and this is not a complete list. Be sure of what you have before you consume it. Toxic Flowers include Azalea, Clematis, Crocus, Daphne, foxglove, Amaryllis, cardinal flower, Nicotiana, mistletoe, Rhododendron, castor bean and calla lily.

What is the cardinal flower native to?

Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis. Cardinal Flower is an evergreen species native to the Americas, from southeastern Canada through the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia. It tends to grow in very wet areas like stream bottoms, bogs and seeps.