Cardinal Flower Info - Growing And Caring For Cardinal Flowers

Cardinal flowers grow best in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, except in cool areas where they need full sun. They need a moist, fertile soil and perform best if you work plenty of organic matter into the soil before planting. Set out new plants in spring, spacing them about a foot apart.

Should I deadhead cardinal flowers?

Deadhead for a neat appearance, to encourage rebloom or prevent any undesired reseeding. Pinch back for bushier and more compact plants. Cut back after flowering. Divide plants every 2-3 years.

How long does cardinal flower live?

Most perennial plants live for an average of 7 to 9 years. Some, including the cardinal flower, only live 3 or 4 years, longer than annuals and biennials, but shorter than perennials, so they are called short-lived perennials.

How do you propagate a cardinal flower?

You can propagate the cardinal flower from seeds, divisions, and stem cuttings. Seeds usually ripen in the fall about seven weeks after forming. Harvest the brown seed capsules from the lower portions of the flowering stalk even when the flowers are still in bloom or bud farther up the stalk.

Do Cardinals reseed themselves?

Under the right conditions cardinal flower will readily self seed. Use cardinal flower in borders, rain gardens, and native gardens, especially on the edges of streams or ponds. They will naturalize in moist meadows and can be grown in a shallow water garden or in containers.

Are cardinal flowers invasive?

Special characteristics: non-aggressive. non-invasive. native to North America - Wet places in eastern North America.

Do cardinal flowers attract hummingbirds?

The Cardinal Flower is named for its thrillingly cardinal-red flowers. For attracting hummingbirds, the Cardinal Flower gets our bird-friendly seal of approval because it is an excellent source of nectar for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds mid-August through October.

What eats the cardinal flower?

Since most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers, Cardinal Flower depends on hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar, for pollination. Its common name alludes to the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

Are cardinal flowers poisonous?

Lobelia cardinalis, or cardinal flower, is a swamp-loving perennial native to the Americas. It is poisonous to humans, cats and dogs. ... Signs of poisoning include depression, excessive salivation, mental confusion, irregular heart rhythm, vomiting and abdominal pain.

How do you look after Lobelia cardinalis?

Water Lobelia cardinalis plants whenever necessary to keep the soil or compost moist or damp. Feed with a general granular plant food each spring. Cut back old flower stems after flowering and the old foliage in autumn. Lobelia tupa may need some winter protection.

Do cardinal flowers spread?

Cardinal flower is a member of the Lobelia family and Lobelia like rich, moist, well drained soil. In their natural setting they are found near streams, ponds, and boggy areas. ... The blooms rise above the leaves 3 to 4 feet, and the plant will spread 1 to 2 feet.

When can I transplant Cardinals?

Cardinal flowers can be transplanted in spring when danger of frost has past. Transplanted cardinal flowers usually do not bloom until the plant has been in the ground for two years. Select a sunny to partial shade location to transplant cardinal flowers.

Are Cardinals deer resistant?

Deer resistant. 'Starship Deep Rose' Cardinal Flower has rose-pink tubular flowers that open along strong flowering stems in mid-summer, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators into autumn.

How do you plant red cardinal seeds?

Propagation by seeds: The seeds will germinate without cold stratification, but they need light, so sow the seeds in a flat with a damp fine grade peat light mix. Keep the flats moist and under lights or in a greenhouse. They should green up in a few weeks.

How do you overwinter a cardinal?

Bring potted cardinal flowers indoors and drain the excess water from the pots. Store them in a refrigerator or other very cool spot where the crowns won't freeze until spring. Water enough to keep the soil soggy to prevent them from drying out.

Are cardinal climbers perennials?

Once your Cardinal Climber are established, they will grow well until the first frost. Cardinal Climber are annuals, and will succumb to spring and fall frosts. Flowers Bloom: Summer to Fall.

How tall do cardinal flowers get?

The cardinal flower plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall.

Do deer eat cardinal flowers?

Deer do not eat plants that have a bitter taste

The Lobelia Red Cardinal Flower contains a bitter taste that will make the deer think twice before eating that one again!

Do rabbits eat cardinal flower?

Cardinal flower (Lobelia) is a large genus of perennials, aquatics, shrubs and annual plants, many with a natural resistant to rabbits.

Do hummingbirds like the smell of mint?

Your feeding hummingbirds will appreciate the effort. Again, mint is a food item and wont harm the birds. As with most insects, ants, bees and wasps mainly hunt by smell.

What flowers attract hummingbirds but not bees?

Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

Do hummingbirds like Monarda?

Monarda are among our most favorite flowering plants. Plants grow to a height of 2-4 feet and are covered with blooms summer to early fall. Flowers produce a sweet nectar that is highly attractive to both hummingbirds and butterflies.