Cardinal Flower
Hardiness zone: 4
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Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Brilliant Red Blooms for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7)
Quick Expert Summary
The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a moderate-growing, cold-hardy perennial ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year and reaches 2–4 ft at maturity. Best for rain gardens, waterside planting, and pollinator habitats, it offers striking scarlet-red flower spikes and excellent adaptation to consistently moist soils.
Why Choose Cardinal Flower for Ontario and Eastern Canada?
Cold-hardy and perfect for moist sites, it brings unmatched late-summer colour while supporting pollinators.
- Hardiness: Zone 4 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7)
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Best For: Ornament / Pollinators / Moist areas
- Maintenance: Medium once established
- Key Feature: Flowers
- Native / Non-native: Native to Eastern North America
It adapts well to:
- Clay soils
- Loamy or sandy soils
- Slightly acidic, rich, constantly moist conditions
- Urban and rural environments (with adequate moisture)
- Wet soils and rain garden conditions (low drought tolerance)
Plant Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 2–4 ft (0.6–1.2 m) |
| Mature Spread | 1 ft |
| Growth Rate | 1–2 ft per year |
| Hardiness Zone | 4 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Preference | Moist, rich, clay or adaptable |
| Water Needs | High (regular moisture required) |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Deer Resistance | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 3–5+ years |
Is Cardinal Flower Right for Your Yard?
Choose Cardinal Flower if:
- You want vibrant summer colour within the first season
- You have a small to medium yard
- You live in Zone 4–7
- You want bright flowers + pollinator attraction
- You need a plant for wet areas, pond edges, or rain gardens
Not ideal if:
- Your soil is dry or sandy without irrigation
- You need a plant for deep shade
- You are planting in drought-prone locations
Best Uses
- Rain gardens
- Waterside planting
- Pollinator gardens
- Naturalized landscapes
- Front yard focal perennial
Why it works:
Its upright form and vivid red flower spikes create strong vertical interest. It thrives in wet soils where many plants fail and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators, adding ecological value.
What Makes Cardinal Flower Special?
A standout native perennial known for its intense red blooms and wildlife value.
- Spring: Fresh green basal foliage emerges
- Summer: Brilliant scarlet flower spikes attract hummingbirds
- Fall: Extended bloom into early fall adds late-season colour
- Winter: Dormant crown protected under mulch
Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada
Yes, Cardinal Flower is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7 and tolerates typical Canadian winter conditions including snow and freezing temperatures.
First-year tip:
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch
- Water deeply before the first hard frost
- Protect from extreme exposure if planted in open areas
Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada
Best planting time:
- Spring (April–June)
- Early fall (September–October)
Spacing:
- 1–2 ft from foundations
- 1–1.5 ft between plants
Watering (first year):
- Water deeply 2–3 times per week during hot periods
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Adjust based on rainfall and drainage
Quick Answers (FAQ)
Is it cold hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 4 and performs well in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7.
What growing conditions does this plant need (sun and soil)?
Full sun to partial shade with rich, consistently moist soil.
Is Cardinal Flower good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. It strongly attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.
Are the roots invasive?
No. Roots are non-invasive; plant about 1–2 ft from structures.
Is it messy?
No significant mess—minimal leaf drop and no problematic fruit.
Compare With Similar Perennials
| Plant | Growth | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Flower | Moderate | Bright red flowers | Wet areas & pollinators |
| Blue Lobelia | Moderate | Blue late-summer flowers | Rain gardens, wet borders |
| Turtlehead | Moderate | Late-season white flowers | Wet gardens, woodland edges, |
Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Nursery-grown
- Carefully packaged
- Shipped to your door in Ontario and Eastern Canada
- Healthy root system guarantee (if applicable)
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Related Articles
- Why Choose Native Plants in Your Landscape Design
- Spring Flooding in Eastern Canada : Plants That Help Protect Properties
- Best Plants for Rain Gardens in Ontario
- Top Native Plants for Pollinators in Eastern Canada
Sizes of our plants
Sizes of our plants
Our trees and shrubs are sold in two sizes: small (110 ml volume) and large (310 ml volume).
Volume discount
Volume discount
At TreesOnline.ca, the more you buy, the more you save! We offer a volume discount program that benefits our customers who place large orders! To find out the discount you will receive, based on the value of your order, consult the table below.
From $0.00 to $199.99 = 0% discount
From $200.00 to $299.99 = 5% discount
$300.00 and over = 10% discount
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery available across Canada. Order now and receive your plants in Spring 2026.
Nursery pickup: A flat preparation and packaging fee of $8 will be added to your bill upon pickup. Select the "nursery pickup" option at checkout on our online store.
Quebec and Ontario: Base fee of $23, plus 20% of the plants' value. Add $5 for signature.
All other Canadian provinces: Base fee of $50, plus 20% of the plant value. Add $5 for signature.
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Questions about our terminology? Consult our online glossary .
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