Lobelia, Cardinal Flower
Lobeliacardinalis 'Vulcan Red'

Family: Campanulaceae (kam-pan-yew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus: Lobelia (low-BEE-lee-a)
Species: cardinalis (kar-dih-NAL-iss)
Cultivar: Vulcan Red

Category
Perennials
Ponds and Aquatics

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Textured

Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Scarlet (dark red)

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds