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
.jpg "Hummingbird on Cardinal Flower")
Cultivation Information Lobelia cardinalis
Height - 2-3 feetFlower Color - RedBlooms - July - SeptemberSun - sun to light shade
Hardy Zone - 3 to 9Soil -moist to wet/rich 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 decorative pot in a second pot and fill 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 Floweers in various gardens. This way there is no fighting!
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" mouth piece 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" mouth piece 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
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 importnt 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
Stratifying Seeds in Refrigerator - 2012
December 15, 2012 - Seeds placed in Cold Moist Storage
Supplies Needed For Seed Stratification -
1. Zip lock plastic bag2. Few table spoons of Vermiculite3. Dampen vermiculite - not soggy4. Store in refrigerator for 60 days
Sprouted - 2-18-2012 -
Day Temperature - a 64 - 65°F -Under florescent lightsNight Temperature - 61 - 63°F
Stratifying Seeds in Refrigerator - 2012
December 15, 2012 - Seeds placed in Cold Moist Storage
Supplies Needed For Seed Stratification -
1. Zip lock plastic bag2. Few table spoons of Vermiculite3. Dampen vermiculite - not soggy4. Store in refrigerator for 60 days
Sprouted - 2-18-2012 -
Day Temperature - a 64 - 65°F -Under florescent lightsNight Temperature - 61 - 63°F
