Barnes, Dr. Thomas G. / Public domain
Cardinal flower
Overview
One of North America's most spectacularly colored native wildflowers, the cardinal flower produces spikes of intensely scarlet blooms that are perfectly shaped for hummingbird pollination. It thrives in moist woodland edges and stream banks where its brilliant red stands out against green foliage. Though short-lived as an individual plant, it freely self-seeds to maintain colonies.
How to Grow Cardinal flower
Plant it in rich, consistently moist to wet soil, at a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–7.
Exact sowing, transplanting, and harvest months shift by climate zone — the planting calendar below lays them out for cool through hot regions. The details above are a starting point — your ground will teach you the rest.
Companion Planting & Soil
Cardinal flower grows well alongside bee balm, fern, hosta, and joe-pye weed.
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant in spring; native perennial to zone 3; needs moist soil and part shade |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jul — Aug | Brilliant red spikes attract hummingbirds; short-lived perennial — allow self-sowing |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; hummingbird magnet; moist to wet soil |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Jul — Sep | Midsummer to early fall bloom; premier hummingbird plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; stream-side, rain garden, or bog garden ideal |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Blooms summer through early fall; deadhead for rebloom |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide every 2-3 years; short-lived but self-sows in moist conditions |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; needs afternoon shade in warm zones |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | May — Aug | Long bloom; let some seed heads mature for colony replacement |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; part shade mandatory; constant moisture |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Apr — Jul | Spring/summer bloom; needs shade and water |
Uses
Beyond the Garden
Cardinal flower earns its keep past the plate, too: premier hummingbird plant; streamside and rain garden planting; woodland garden color accent.
