perennialN. America Native

Cardinal Flower Pink Flamingo

Lobelia cardinalis 'Pink Flamingo'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lobelia cardinalis 'Pink Flamingo' is a perennial herbaceous plant distinguished by its upright growth habit, vibrant pink tubular flowers, and lance-shaped green foliage that attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.

This cultivar is notable for its striking pink flowers that provide a bold splash of color in garden borders and containers, offering a softer alternative to the traditional red-flowered Lobelia cardinalis.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, tubular flowers add vivid color and attract hummingbirds, enhancing garden aesthetics.
Practical UsesProvides nectar for pollinators and supports ecological balance.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local hummingbird populations and beneficial insects.
SpeciesLobelia cardinalisCardinal Flower

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

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
  3. Place in partial to full sun for best flowering.
  4. Space plants 12-18 inches apart for airflow.
  5. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Fertilize with a balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks during summer.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist and provide partial sun for vibrant blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Prune spent flowers to encourage reblooming
  • Mulch to retain soil moisture and temperature

Don't

  • Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
  • Overfertilize which can reduce flowering
  • Expose plants to harsh, full sun without shade in hot climates

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid border for hummingbird gardensBright perennial in cottage flower beds

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cardinal Flower Pink Flamingo questions

What zones can Cardinal Flower Pink Flamingo grow in?

Cardinal Flower Pink Flamingo 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 Pink Flamingo deer resistant?

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

When does Cardinal Flower Pink Flamingo bloom?

Cardinal Flower Pink Flamingo typically blooms in mid-summer 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 Pink Flamingo need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Cardinal Flower Pink Flamingo 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.