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The brilliant, true-red flower spikes of a native Cardinal Flower, which are a magnet for hummingbirds.

Type

Native

Sunlight Type

Full Sun, Part Sun / Shade

Soil Type

Rich & Moist, Tolerates Wet / Poor Drainage

Attracts

Hummingbirds

Benefits 

Flowers, Pollinator Hub, Supports Wildlife

Cardinal Flower

The Hummingbird's Favorite Flower

If you want hummingbirds, you plant Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis). It is that simple. This native perennial sends up tall spikes of the most intense, true-red flowers found in nature. The color is so vivid it almost vibrates. It blooms in late summer, providing fuel for hummingbirds before their migration.

Why You Need It:

  • Hummingbird Magnet: Widely considered the #1 plant for attracting them.
  • Late Summer Drama: Adds a vertical punch of red when other flowers are fading.
  • Wet Soil Lover: Thrives in boggy, wet, or clay soils.

Planting Tips:

Plant in Sun or Part Shade with Moist Soil. It is a short-lived perennial but drops plenty of seeds; let the seeds fall on bare soil to keep the patch going year after year.

     

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