Spikes of vibrant scarlet florets in late summer. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to the red. Root mulch can be applied in cold winters to encourage it to return, but if it's an ideal environment, it often self-seeds. Prospers in lightly shaded to partly sunny exposures with moist humus rich soil. Thrives in recently disturbed sites. Tolerates sunny sites if sufficient moisture is present, but usually appreciates afternoon shade. Medium to wet soil is necessary for it to survive. Deer resistant. Space: 1 foot. Height: Apx. 4 feet.

We grow some of our Cardinal Flower from seed, and also step up plugs from New Moon Nursery.

Photo credit: Main photo by k yamada, CC BY-SA 2.0; Second photo by Denis Barthel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.