cardinal flower

The cardinal flower needs to be watered thoroughly about twice a week. Water it until the soil is moist but not soggy, and until water is flowing from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Water it in the early morning or late afternoon, allowing any excess water to drain thoroughly. This plant is drought tolerant, so don’t over-water it, and make sure the soil is not water-logged. The cardinal flower will need more frequent watering during the growing season and less in the winter months.

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria') requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. The best time of day for sunlight is the morning and early afternoon, as the more intense and direct late afternoon sunlight can burn the plant’s leaves and flowers. The plant should get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering success, but may tolerate morning sun only with adequate moisture and high humidity.

Cardinal flowers should be pruned at the end of the growing season. This includes any old flower stalks, dead or diseased stems, and overcrowded branches. Prune your plants down just above where the basal foliage or new growth can be seen. This will help keep the plant growing vigorously and blooming strong. Be sure to leave some of the basal foliage intact to encourage future blooming and a healthy growing habit. Pruning should be light - only remove dead stems or prune to shape the plant - as too much pruning can stress the plants and reduce flowering.