Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal Flower | Lobelia cardinalis

Vibrant red flowering marginal plant for bold pond edges and wildlife gardens

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a striking and highly desirable marginal pond plant, known for its vivid scarlet red flower spikes that bring instant impact to any pond or water feature. Flowering from July through to September, it provides strong late summer colour just when many other plants begin to fade, making it a valuable addition to any well balanced planting scheme.

This upright, clump forming perennial produces tall spikes of tubular red flowers that stand proudly above neat green foliage. The contrast between the bright blooms and the surrounding greenery creates a bold, eye catching display, particularly when planted in groups along pond edges or within bog gardens. Its vertical growth habit also helps add height and structure to softer, lower growing marginal plants.

Beyond its visual appeal, Cardinal Flower is an excellent choice for wildlife friendly ponds. The vibrant flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support biodiversity in your garden. The dense foliage also offers shelter for amphibians and insects, contributing to a healthy pond ecosystem.

Lobelia cardinalis thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions, making it ideal for planting on marginal shelves or in damp soil around the pond. It performs best in full sun, although it will tolerate partial shade. To get the most out of this plant, ensure the soil never dries out, as this is key to strong flowering and healthy growth.

Hardy across most of the UK, this plant will return year after year with minimal maintenance. In colder or more exposed locations, adding a layer of mulch in autumn can help protect the crown over winter. With the right conditions, Cardinal Flower is an easy to grow, reliable, and incredibly rewarding pond plant.

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Key Benefits

• Bright scarlet red flowers for bold late season colour
• Adds height and structure to pond planting
• Excellent for attracting bees and pollinators
• Ideal for pond margins, bog gardens, and damp borders
• Easy to grow in consistently moist conditions
• Provides strong visual contrast in mixed planting schemes

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Reasons to Buy

• One of the most vibrant red pond plants available
• Perfect for adding colour when other plants are fading
• Great for wildlife friendly and natural ponds
• Supplied ready planted for easy installation
• Reliable perennial that returns each year

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Care Instructions

• Plant on a marginal shelf at a depth of 0 cm to 15 cm, measured from the top of the basket to the water surface.
• Position in full sun or partial shade. Keep soil consistently moist or wet, as this plant does not tolerate drying out. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and maintain appearance. In autumn, allow foliage to die back naturally, then cut back if required. Divide established clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigour.

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Flowering Period

July to September

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Cardinal Flower will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• Pack of 3 × 9cm Pots
• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Plants supplied in 9cm pots require potting into suitable aquatic baskets before being placed in the pond.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

Explore more marginal pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range.