Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a bold, native perennial celebrated for its vibrant scarlet-red flower spikes that bloom in mid to late summer, creating a dramatic vertical accent in any garden. Growing 2 to 4 feet tall, this moisture-loving plant thrives in consistently damp soils, making it an ideal choice for rain gardens, stream banks, and pond edges. Its brilliant red blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing essential nectar when many other plants have finished flowering. Perfect for native plant gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes, Cardinal Flower performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist. It adds color and movement to naturalized areas, wet meadows, and woodland borders while contributing to local biodiversity. Its striking flower spikes rise above a clump of dark green, lance-shaped leaves, offering visual interest and ecological value at the same time. Lobelia cardinalis is a short-lived perennial that can self-seed under the right conditions, helping to sustain its presence in the garden with minimal intervention. For best performance, mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the crown during winter. Whether you're creating a wildlife habitat, enhancing a native planting, or simply looking to add a pop of vivid red to your summer garden, Cardinal Flower is a show-stopping, pollinator-supporting addition to any moisture-rich landscape.