Lobelia x speciosa 'Compliment Violet'
perennial

Hybrid Cardinal Flower

Lobelia x speciosa 'Compliment Violet'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Requires consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (hybrid)

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

A hybrid perennial known for its tall, upright spikes of vividly colored flowers that rise from a basal rosette of lance-shaped, green leaves. It thrives in moist to wet soils and is a magnet for pollinators. The 'Compliment Violet' cultivar is noted for its intense, deep violet-purple flowers and robust, erect habit. It is a relatively long-lived and reliable performer compared to some other Lobelia hybrids.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides vibrant violet blooms that attract insects, adding color and life to garden borders and containers.
Practical UsesEasy to grow perennial with low maintenance needs, suitable for shaded or partially shaded areas.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like insects, enhancing local biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to encourage root development.
  4. Transplant seedlings when they are 2 inches tall, after last frost.
  5. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Fertilize monthly with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist; mulch helps retain humidity and keep roots cool.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness
  • Apply balanced fertilizer monthly

Don't

  • Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
  • Overfertilize, which can cause leggy growth
  • Neglect watering during hot spells

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Insect-attracting borderTrailing window boxColorful container plant

Companion Plants

Petunia Impatiens Fuchsia Begonia Caladium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hybrid Cardinal Flower questions

What zones can Hybrid Cardinal Flower grow in?

Hybrid Cardinal Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hybrid Cardinal Flower deer resistant?

Yes — Hybrid Cardinal Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hybrid Cardinal Flower bloom?

Hybrid Cardinal Flower typically blooms in mid-summer to early fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hybrid Cardinal Flower need full sun?

Hybrid Cardinal Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Hybrid Cardinal Flower with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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