Growing guide · Perennials

Lobelia cardinalis

How to grow Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria'.

Scarlet on maroon. Hummingbirds approve.

Light
Full sun, part sun
Water
High
Zones
6–9
Size
3–4 ft tall, 18–24 in. wide
Spacing
18 in. apart, in groups.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
See sizes · from $30.99
Tall spikes of scarlet flowers on deep maroon stems and leaves

Light

Full sun where soil stays wet; part shade in hot areas.

Water

Constant moisture. It won't take drought.

Planting and soil

Plant in spring in rich, moist soil, crown at soil level.

Feeding

Compost in spring.

Pruning

Cut spent spikes. Leave the basal rosette uncovered over winter.

Through the year

Maroon leaves from spring, flowers August into September.

If something's off

Short-lived and less hardy than wild cardinal flower; replant every few years. All parts are toxic to people and pets.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

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Why we stock it: Dark foliage and pure red flowers for the wet spots.

That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.

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