Cardinal Flower
The cardinal flower is a tall, stately plant with brilliant scarlet flowers in mid to late summer. It is a fine choice for moist, shady spots, especially in natural gardens.
The individual flowers are small and grow in a spike along the upper 6 or 8 inches of the stem. They bloom in late July to September, and are attractive to hummingbirds. The medium or dark green leaves are oblong or lance-shaped, growing to 4 inches long. They are arranged oppositely or in whorls along the stalks. The tall, vertical stems grow 3 to 4 feet high, and are topped with the blazing red flowers.
Unfortunately, the cardinal flower is short-lived. It will self-sow under optimum conditions, but this is not to be relied on. It is seldom, if ever, invasive.
Native to wet soils along streams and in boggy meadows and to woodland bottomlands, the cardinal flower does best in well-drained, sandy loam that is high in organic matter and kept evenly moist. Although tolerant of full sun if the soil is kept moist, it does best in light shade. It does not perform well in regions of mild winters. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Care is moderately difficult. Keep the plants well watered. Remove faded flower stalks. Mulch in the summer to retain moisture, and in winter to protect the crowns. Although several insects and fungal diseases may attack cardinal flowers, they are seldom serious enough to warrant protection. The plant should be divided annually to perpetuate it. Lift the clump, then remove and reset the outside clusters of new basal growth. This is best done in the early fall.
