Lobelia, Cardinal Flower
Lobeliacardinalis 'Elm Fire'

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

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

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 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

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball

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