Order Now · Ships Spring 2026
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower)
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower)
Native cardinal flower • Bold red spikes—exceptional for hummingbirds & moist gardens
📦 Shipping is charged at real carrier rates.We don’t mark up shipping—costs reflect distance from our nursery and careful plant packing.
🌱 6-plant minimum per order — mix & match any varieties
📦 Ships in a 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot — well-rooted & ready to plant
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Lobelia cardinalis is a bold, moisture-loving native perennial known for its tall spikes of intense red flowers. Native to the eastern United States, this plant brings strong vertical structure and vivid color to gardens where water is available.
Flower spikes rise above narrow green foliage in mid to late summer, producing one of the most reliable nectar sources for hummingbirds—especially valuable in cooler and northern climates where options can be limited. Few plants draw hummingbirds as consistently as cardinal flower.
This species thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and performs well along stream edges, rain gardens, pond margins, and irrigated beds. It is exceptionally cold hardy and returns reliably year after year when moisture needs are met.
Why Grow Lobelia cardinalis
- Native perennial with intense red flower spikes
- One of the best hummingbird plants available
- Excellent cold hardiness for northern gardens
- Ideal for rain gardens and moist soils
- Strong vertical accent in pollinator plantings
Growing Notes
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, well-drained
- Water: Regular to consistent moisture required
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–9
Size & Details
- Height × Width: ~3 ft. × 1½ ft.
- Flower color: Bright red
- Bloom time: Mid to late summer
- Native range: Eastern United States
Best Uses
- Pollinator and hummingbird gardens
- Rain gardens and low areas
- Pond and stream edges
- Native plantings
- Moist borders and irrigated beds
POT SIZE: 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot
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What to Expect With Your Plants
What size plants will I receive?
Most plants ship in 2 3/8” x 3 3/4” band pots—ideal for healthy root growth.
Top growth varies by variety and season, but every plant arrives well-rooted, actively growing, and ready to plant.
Grown naturally without artificial heat or lights, our plants are hardy, adaptable, and ready to thrive in real garden conditions.
When will my plants ship?
We schedule plant orders based on your area’s average last frost date and when each plant is truly ready to ship. You’ll receive an email with your estimated ship date once your order is scheduled.
Orders ship Monday–Wednesday via UPS or USPS (2–3 day service), so your plants arrive before the weekend and spend less time in transit. Shipping begins in spring—usually mid-April—when weather and plant health align, so your plants arrive strong, well-rooted, and ready to thrive.
Do you guarantee your plants?
We stand behind our plants and our packing process. While we can't control weather or how plants are cared for after arrival, we do guarantee that your plants will arrive healthy and in good condition. If there's an issue, just reach out and we're happy to help.
Are your plants inspected for plant health and disease?
Yes. Our nursery is inspected at least twice each year by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and meets state plant health and disease standards.
Why does shipping cost what it does for live plants?
Shipping live plants requires careful packaging, seasonal timing, and fast transit to ensure they arrive healthy.
Our shipping rates are calculated in real time based on box size, weight, and destination, and we always select the best available option for safe, timely delivery.
We never inflate shipping costs — you pay what it costs us to ship your order safely.
Have more questions?
We want you to feel good about your plant order. Find answers about shipping, sizing, care, and guarantees in our full FAQ.
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