cardinal flower
Lobelia 'Cotton Candy'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Pink Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,purple,pink
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia 'Cotton Candy') should be watered deeply once a week in order to keep the soil slightly moist (but not soggy). The timing depends on the season and temperature, as more frequent watering may be required during hot summer months, while once every 2 weeks may be sufficient during cooler fall months. In addition to weekly deep watering, you can mist the foliage with a spray bottle to increase the humidity surrounding the plant (especially useful in dry indoor environments).
sunlight
Cardinal flower (Lobelia 'Cotton Candy') requires full sun or partial shade, preferably 4-6 hours of direct sunlight throughout the day. The plant flourishes in hot, sunny spots, as long as the soil is kept moist. If there is no direct sunlight available, it can still tolerate partial shade. Make sure to provide even temperatures for the plant and to provide light intermittent shade if necessary. Avoid planting it in a shadier spot that doesn't receive direct sunlight for most of the day. A south-facing location is often the best choice for cardinal flower.
pruning
Cardinal flower (Lobelia 'Cotton Candy') should be pruned in late spring after flowering has finished. Light pruning should be sufficient, which can be done by pinching off just the spent flowers. The plant may also benefit from a light trimming every few years to remove any old growth and promote healthy new shoots. Avoid severe pruning that will cut into the main branches as this can cause irreversible damage to the plant.