Cardinal flower is a herbaceous perennial in the Campanulaceae (bellflower) family that may grow 4 to 5 feet tall. The common name is in reference to the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.
It is easily grown in rich, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, and It will tolerate brief flooding. Although it will tolerate full sun in northern climates, it appreciates partial afternoon shade in hot summer climates of the lower Midwest and South. Root mulch should be applied in cold winter climates to protect the root system and to prevent root heaving. Mulch will also help retain soil moisture. If desired, this plant can be grown in a 1 gallon or larger container using rich, moist potting soil.
The shiny leaves are alternate with a toothed margin and their rhizomes overwinter with small rosettes of leaves. Brilliant red blooms first mature in late summer and continue into mid-fall. The showy flowers begin opening at the bottom of a terminal flower spike and continue to the top. Propagate this plant either by seed or by separating the rosettes from the parent plant in the spring.
A number of hybrid cultivars of the Cardinal flower have been produced; the most popular is 'Queen Victoria' with blood-red flowers and bronze foliage.
This plant is effective in moist areas of woodland/shade gardens, wet meadows, or along streams or ponds. Also water gardens and rain gardens. It also adds late summer bloom and height to borders as long as the soil is kept uniformly moist. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies making it a welcome addition to a pollinator garden.
This plant was selected as the 1982, 1983 and 2001 NC Wildflower of the Year, a program managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with some financial support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.