The vibrant red blooms of the cardinal flower makes it an ideal plant for the shady summer garden. It reseeds readily and is ideal for naturalizing and sharing with friends.
Latin Name
Lobelia cardinalis
Family
Campanulaceae
Type of Plant
Perennials
Bloom Season
July - September
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 4'
Max Spread: 2'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Shade
Tolerances
Attracted Wildlife
Hummingbirds
Toxicity
Do not ingest
Skin irritant
Harmful to pets
Colors
Native Range
North America
History
The Marquis de Lafayette wrote to George Washington requesting seeds of the cardinal flower for the King's gardens at Versailles.
Other Details
Pollinator
Grown by Washington
Sold at Mount Vernon
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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