White Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis 'Perrys White'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist soil
Humidity
Prefers humid environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested in large quantities
The Story
Plant Bio
Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as cardinal flower, is an upright, clump-forming perennial native to North America. It is prized for its brilliant scarlet-red, two-lipped, tubular flowers that bloom on terminal spikes in late summer. It typically grows in moist locations along streams, swamps, and low wooded areas. This cultivar is distinguished by its elegant pure white flowers, providing a refined and contrasting addition to garden borders and woodland settings.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
- Provide partial shade during hot afternoons.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly in growing season.
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth in early summer.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and provide some shade in peak summer.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t over-fertilize, which can cause leggy growth
- Avoid full sun in very hot climates
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
White Cardinal Flower questions
What zones can White Cardinal Flower grow in?
White 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 White Cardinal Flower deer resistant?
Yes — White Cardinal Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does White Cardinal Flower bloom?
White 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 White Cardinal Flower need full sun?
White Cardinal Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Lobelia to compare
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Fan Cinnabar Rose Lobelia
Lobelia x speciosa 'Fan Cinnabar Rose'
Hybrid Cardinal Flower
Lobelia x speciosa 'Compliment Violet'
Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles'
Cardinal Flower Deep Rose
Lobelia cardinalis 'Deep Rose'
Cardinal Flower 'Black Truffle'
Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow White 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.
