An adored Missouri native perennial, Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis, produces many brilliant cardinal red star-shaped flowers. The blossoms appear in late summer into fall on tall, erect stems.

A favorite with the pollinators, expect to see swarms of butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.

It easily grows in rich, moist soils in full sun to part shade. A good choice for rain gardens, it prefers consistently moist soil. It appreciates a break from the hot afternoon sun.

Designated a Missouri Botanical Gardens Plant of Merit for its outstanding qualities.

Plant in full sun to part shade in soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. Adding a starter fertilizer when planting will get its roots off to a fast start. Keep consistently watered, especially when plants are setting up buds, blooming, and during dry spells.