Cardinal Flower Lobelia × speciosa 'Fan Burgundy' (Fan Series)

Water

Cardinal flower should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during hot, dry periods. The typical watering schedule would be once or twice a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant each time. Adjustment to the frequency of watering should be made during rainy spells or unusually hot weather. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, and watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.

Light

Cardinal flower prefers partial to full sun, thriving in a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some light shade, especially in the afternoon in hot climates, too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers. The ideal placement would be where the plant can get morning sun and afternoon dappled shade, providing a balance of light that fosters healthy foliage and vibrant blooms.

Temperature

Cardinal flower can typically handle temperatures ranging from about 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods outside of this range, down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to these extremes can stress the plant. The ideal temperature for cardinal flowers is within the 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit range, which promotes robust growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning cardinal flower is mainly done to remove spent flower spikes, which encourages further blooming. Deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season as needed. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground to promote new growth. Pruning also helps maintain a tidy appearance and can stimulate a bushier, more compact form.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cardinal Flower 'Fan Burgundy' prefers moist but well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cardinal Flower 'Fan Burgundy' typically does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Cardinal Flower 'Fan Burgundy' thrives best in a high humidity environment, though it can tolerate moderate humidity levels as long as the soil moisture is maintained.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright indirect light, keep soil moist, and provide high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to part shade, consistently moist soil, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Lobelia × speciosa 'Fan Burgundy', commonly known as Hybrid Lobelia, begins with seed germination, typically in early spring when soil temperatures are suitable for growth. Following germination, the plant enters its vegetative stage, developing a rosette of basal leaves and then producing upright stems with lance-shaped leaves. As it matures, Hybrid Lobelia transitions into the flowering stage in the summer, showcasing spikes of deep burgundy flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed for the next generation, while the parent plant may die back if it experiences a hard frost, as it is a perennial in warmer zones but treated as an annual in colder regions. Some plants may survive mild winters and re-sprout from the base the following spring. In the final stage of its life, after several seasons, the plant will eventually senesce and die, having completed its life cycle and contributed to the propagation of new plants through its seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The Lobelia × speciosa 'Fan Burgundy', commonly known as the Cardinal Flower or Hybrid Lobelia, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for seed propagation is during late winter or early spring, several weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained, moist seed-starting mix, lightly covered with soil, as they require light for germination. It's important to maintain a consistent temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 degrees Celsius) and to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings usually emerge within 2 to 3 weeks and should be thinned or transplanted once they have several true leaves.