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

Water

Cardinal flowers should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, particularly during their active growing season in spring and summer. They should be watered deeply, which means enough water to soak the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. This might typically require around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for an established plant, depending on the soil and climate conditions. During hot and dry periods, watering may be necessary once or twice a week. In cooler or rainy spells, reduce the frequency to prevent waterlogging.

Light

Cardinal flowers thrive best in partial shade to full sun conditions. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sunlight and is shaded in the afternoons, or a location with dappled sunlight throughout the day. Direct afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates, can be too intense, so providing some protection from the strongest rays will ensure the foliage does not get scorched.

Temperature

Cardinal flowers prefer moderate temperatures and do not do well in extreme heat or cold. They can generally survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F, but for optimal growth, they should be kept in an environment where temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 75°F.

Pruning

Cardinal flowers benefit from pruning to promote bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. In the fall, after flowering has finished, cut back the plant to about 3 inches above the ground to help rejuvenate it for the next season. The best time for a major prune is in the early spring, just as new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Cardinal Flower 'Fan Lachs' thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing peat moss, loamy garden soil, and perlite or sand will ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

The Cardinal Flower 'Fan Lachs' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to replenish the soil and provide space for root growth. It is best repotted in the spring before the onset of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Cardinal Flower 'Fan Lachs' grows best in an environment with high humidity, ideally above 50%. Regular misting can help maintain the necessary humidity levels if grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to part shade, keep soil consistently moist.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Lobelia × speciosa 'Fan Lachs' (Fan Series), commonly known as Lobelia, starts its life cycle from seed, typically requiring warmth and light to germinate. Once sprouted, the tiny seedlings grow into young plants with characteristic lance-shaped leaves, and it often takes several weeks before they are ready for transplanting into their final growing location. As the plants mature, they develop sturdy stems and vibrant, fan-shaped salmon-pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer and into early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, if not deadheaded, the plant will produce seed pods that ripen and release seeds for subsequent propagation. To survive in colder climates, Lobelia x speciosa 'Fan Lachs' may die back to the ground after frost, but with proper mulching or care, the plant can regenerate from its root system the following spring. This herbaceous perennial completes its life cycle in this way, regrowing each year from overwintered roots or by self-seeding, as long as the growing conditions remain suitable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: Lobelia × speciosa 'Fan Lachs', commonly known as the Fan Scarlet Lobelia, is most effectively propagated by division during early spring. To propagate through division, carefully lift the clump out of the ground once new growth appears. Gently separate the crown of the plant into sections, each with a fair amount of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 inches apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method is advantageous because it not only produces new plants that are true to the parent but also helps rejuvenate older, overgrown clumps, encouraging more vigorous growth and flowering.