Cardinal Flower is a show-stopping perennial known for its striking vibrant red flowers and tall spiky blooms. It thrives in moist conditions and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators, making it a fantastic addition to your garden. Whether you’re planting near a pond, in a rain garden, or adding a splash of color to a shady spot, the Cardinal Flower will stand out with its rich red color and elegant form.
Why You’ll Love It:
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Vibrant red flowers: Features tall spikes of brilliant red tubular flowers, perfect for creating a dramatic focal point
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Pollinator-friendly: A favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for attracting wildlife to your garden
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Moisture-loving: Ideal for moist to wet conditions, making it great for rain gardens, ponds, or shady spots with regular watering
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Tall, elegant stature: Grows to 3-4 feet tall, perfect for creating vertical interest in your garden or as a background plant for lower-growing perennials
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Easy care: Once established, Cardinal Flower is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care
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Attractive in mass plantings: When planted in groups, its striking color creates a bold, eye-catching display
Plant Care Tips:
☀️ Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun, though it may benefit from some afternoon shade in hot climates
💧 Water: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate some wet conditions—ideal for boggy areas or rain gardens
🌱 Soil: Enjoys rich, fertile soil but will tolerate a variety of soils as long as moisture is abundant
🌡 Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates
📏 Size: Typically grows to 3-4 feet tall with a spread of around 1-2 feet, perfect for adding vertical interest to borders or beds
🧰 Maintenance: Requires little upkeep beyond occasional deadheading to promote more blooms—cut back in the fall after the flowers fade
