July 2025

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is a native herbaceous perennial found throughout much of eastern and southern North America, extending from Mexico down into Colombia. It naturally thrives in wet environments such as creek overflows, riverbanks, bogs, and swamps. The name “Cardinal Flower” refers to its brilliant red blooms, reminiscent of the red robes worn by Catholic cardinals.

This stunning plant puts on a vibrant display from mid-summer to mid-fall, producing tall spikes of bright red flowers. Interestingly, here at the Botanical Garden, we’ve found that Cardinal Flower performs better in full sun than in shade — as long as the soil stays consistently moist. Ours are on irrigation and mulched well to buffer against heat and drying out.

The striking blooms open from the bottom of the spike upward and are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Several cultivars exist, with ‘Queen Victoria’ being one of the most popular, known for its deep red flowers and dramatic bronze foliage.

Come visit us soon to spot Cardinal Flower in front of the Japanese Garden, in the wings of the butterfly in the Sensory Garden, and also in the Native Garden and along the creek banks of Streamside Trail.

Berni Kurz

Senior Advisor, Horticulture

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks