Cardinal Flower Deep Rose
Lobelia cardinalis 'Deep Rose'
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
Medium to wet
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; contains alkaloids.
The Story
Plant Bio
Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is an upright, clump-forming perennial native to North American wetlands and stream banks. It features unbranched stalks with lance-shaped, green leaves and produces brilliant terminal spikes of flowers that are a magnet for hummingbirds. This cultivar is distinguished by its striking deep rose color, providing a bold contrast in garden borders and attracting hummingbirds with its vivid blooms.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during growing season
- Provide partial shade in hotter climates
- Support tall stems with stakes if necessary
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil and partial shade for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in season
- Avoid planting in full, hot sun in summer
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| 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
Cardinal Flower Deep Rose questions
What zones can Cardinal Flower Deep Rose grow in?
Cardinal Flower Deep Rose 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 Cardinal Flower Deep Rose deer resistant?
Yes — Cardinal Flower Deep Rose is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cardinal Flower Deep Rose bloom?
Cardinal Flower Deep Rose 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 Cardinal Flower Deep Rose need full sun?
Cardinal Flower Deep Rose 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 'Black Truffle'
Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Laguna Dark Blue Lobelia
Lobelia erinus 'Laguna Dark Blue'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Cardinal Flower Deep Rose 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.
