Ohio Native Plant Natural Range
To view the natural range of Lobelia cardinalis visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
Native Plant of the Year - LEAP (Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity) - Native Plant of the Year 2015
Cultivation Information Lobelia cardinalis
Height - 2-3 feetFlower Color - RedBlooms - July - SeptemberSun - Sun to light Shade Short-Lived Perennial - Self seedsHardy Zone - 4 to 9Soil -Moist to Wet, Rich with HumuspH -4.0-6.0 Family – Campanulaceae
Rain Gardens - Suitable for rain gardens and marshy locations. Plants will do well in full sun, but they need a reliable source of moisture. In other words, you need to water them, or they will indeed suffer.
For your Patio - Pot Cardinal Flowers in large pots, then enjoy them on your deck o r patio. You will gradually earn the trust of the local Hummingbird population. For winter storage, either set the decorative pot in a second pot and fill the space with leaves or hull (dig in) into the top of your compost pile in the fall.
Territorial - Hummingbirds are very territorial, I make a point to grow Cardinal Flowers in various gardens. This way there is no fighting!
Rain Gardens - Suitable for rain gardens and marshy locations. Plants will do well in full sun, but they need a reliable source of moisture. In other words, you need to water them, or they will indeed suffer.
For your Patio - Pot Cardinal Flowers in large pots, then enjoy them on your deck o r patio. You will gradually earn the trust of the local Hummingbird population. For winter storage, either set the decorative pot in a second pot and fill the space with leaves or hull (dig in) into the top of your compost pile in the fall.
Territorial - Hummingbirds are very territorial, I make a point to grow Cardinal Flowers in various gardens. This way there is no fighting!
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Wildlife Significance Lobelia cardinalis
Nectar Source - Butterflies, hummingbirds and Bumblebees.
Moths - Flowers that attract humming birds attract Sphix moths, both have a long "tube like" mouthpiece that works like a straw. Moths are "dinner" for birds that feed at night, like Night Hawks and Whiporwills.
Birds - Butterflies, moths and skippers are all a high protein food source for birds
Deer - Are not fond of this plant
For detailed information, visit the Illinois Wildflower site
Moths - Flowers that attract humming birds attract Sphix moths, both have a long "tube like" mouthpiece that works like a straw. Moths are "dinner" for birds that feed at night, like Night Hawks and Whiporwills.
Birds - Butterflies, moths and skippers are all a high protein food source for birds
Deer - Are not fond of this plant
For detailed information, visit the Illinois Wildflower site
Propagation Notes Lobelia cardinalis
Stratifying Seeds
Perennial - Sources mention Cardinal Flowers are short-lived perennial. I have found in the right place they live for several years. Also, it is important to stay out of the garden in the spring, allowing seedlings a chance to mature. Lobelias need warm temperatures to germinate, so it is wise to be patient with them. Collecting Seed - Wait until seed is dark brown, dry in a paper bag before cleaning and storing
Outside - Seeds seen to germinate best when temperatures reach 65 to 70º F. Seeds need light to germinate, don't cover them with dirt
Supplies Needed for Seed Stratification 1. Zip lock plastic bag2. Few tablespoons of Vermiculite3. Dampen vermiculite - not soggy4. Store in refrigerator for 60 days
Seeds require light and cold, moist storage in order to germinate
Outside - Seeds seen to germinate best when temperatures reach 65 to 70º F. Seeds need light to germinate, don't cover them with dirt
Supplies Needed for Seed Stratification 1. Zip lock plastic bag2. Few tablespoons of Vermiculite3. Dampen vermiculite - not soggy4. Store in refrigerator for 60 days
Seeds require light and cold, moist storage in order to germinate
