Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'
ABOUT
Cardinal flower 'Queen Victoria' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant foliage and flowers. This plant typically showcases deep burgundy-red to almost purple leaves that create a dramatic backdrop for its blooms. The leaves are lance-shaped, with a slightly toothed margin and a glossy finish. Come summer or early fall, tall flower spikes emerge, bearing a series of brilliant scarlet flowers. Each flower is tubular, with two lips; the upper lip has two lobes and the lower lip has three. The flowers are densely packed in elongate clusters and are vivid and bold, making them stand out in the garden. These blooms are not only beautiful but are also a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The overall visual impact of the Cardinal flower 'Queen Victoria' is one of intense color and vertical interest. The contrast between the dark foliage and the bright red flowers makes this plant an eye-catching addition to any garden space, often employed as an accent or a focal point in mixed borders or alongside water features.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Cardinal Flower, Queen Victoria Cardinal Flower, Red Lobelia
Common names
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cardinal flower is generally considered toxic if ingested in large amounts. The toxicity is due to the presence of alkaloids such as lobeline, which can act as a respiratory stimulant or depressant. If ingested, symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and an increase in salivation. Severe cases can lead to respiratory problems and convulsions. As such, it is advised to avoid ingesting any part of the cardinal flower.
To pets
Cardinal flower is also toxic to pets, and similar precautions should be taken to prevent them from ingesting it. The plant contains alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, and abnormal heart rate in animals if consumed in large quantities. In severe cases, ingestion of cardinal flower can lead to respiratory failure and seizures in pets. Pet owners should monitor their animals to ensure they do not eat any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Bronze
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The vibrant red flowers of Cardinal Flower are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its striking red flowers and dark purple-to-maroon foliage, Cardinal Flower makes a dramatic and colorful addition to any garden.
- Water loving: Cardinal Flower thrives in wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens, pond edges, or other moist areas in the landscape.
- Native plant advantages: Being a native species to North America, it is adapted to local ecosystems and tends to be hardy and low maintenance.
- Seasonal interest: Cardinal Flower typically blooms in late summer, providing a burst of color when many other plants are starting to fade.
- Habitat support: It helps in creating a habitat that supports local wildlife, especially those species that are native to the plant's natural range.
- Erosion control: Its preference for moist soil and dense growth make it good for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion along water bodies.
- Easy propagation: Cardinal Flower can be easily propagated from seed, cuttings, or division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings cost-effectively.
- Tolerance of shade: While Cardinal Flower prefers partial sun, it can tolerate light shade, offering flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria', commonly known as Cardinal Flower, can be used as a natural dye, with its vibrant red flowers contributing to the creation of dyes for fabrics and arts.
- The plant's striking appearance makes it an ideal subject for botanical illustration and educational materials in schools to teach about native species and pollination.
- Cardinal Flower can serve as a background plant in terrariums or paludariums, adding a pop of color and height to recreated natural landscapes.
- Incorporated into rain gardens, it helps manage water runoff due to its preference for moist conditions and can aid in soil erosion control.
- Gardeners can use Cardinal Flower in sensory gardens as its bright color and delicate structure invite closer inspection and interaction.
- Due to its attractiveness to hummingbirds, the plant can be used in initiatives for bird-watching activities and to support local wildlife education.
- The robust root system is sometimes used in permaculture designs to help stabilize stream banks and reduce sedimentation in waterways.
- Florists may use the flowers in naturalistic floral arrangements for events that aim to evoke a wildflower or meadow-inspired theme.
- Used in cultural and religious ceremonies by indigenous peoples, the Cardinal Flower can play a part in traditional decor and symbolism.
- The plant adds aesthetic value to butterfly gardens, which aim to support pollinator populations and provide learning experiences for visitors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCardinal Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCardinal Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Distinction: The vibrant red color and royal name suggest a sense of importance or standing out from the crowd.
- Attraction: Known for attracting hummingbirds, symbolizes allure and the ability to draw others in.
- Passion: Its fiery red spikes are often associated with strong emotion and fervor.
- Vitality: The bright, bold coloring can represent life force and energy.
- Transformation: As a perennial, it signifies renewal and the cycle of growth.
WaterThe Cardinal Flower should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil, especially during the summer months when the weather is hot. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this might translate into watering every couple of days. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. The amount needed would vary depending on the pot size and environmental conditions, but a general rule could be to provide around one to two gallons per week during the active growing season. During winter, the plant requires less water, and the frequency should be reduced accordingly.
LightCardinal Flowers thrive in partial shade to full sun. They perform best in a location that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid placing the Cardinal Flower in deep shade, as this can affect its blooming and overall vigor.
TemperatureCardinal Flowers are best suited for temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F during the day and not dropping below 50°F at night. They can withstand occasional dips down to about 20°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can damage or kill the plant. The ideal climate for Cardinal Flowers is one that offers warm summers and cool, but not freezing, winters.
PruningPrune Cardinal Flowers in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous new growth and improve air circulation. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can encourage more blooms. Pruning is typically done once a year, but deadheading can be done as needed throughout the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' prefers moist, rich, well-draining soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy soil, peat, and a small amount of sand or perlite is ideal to provide the proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingCardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' should be repotted every 2-3 years to avoid overcrowding and to replenish the soil with nutrients. The best time for repotting is in the spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingCardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' thrives in high humidity environments, similar to its natural habitat near streams and wetlands. A humidity level of 50% or higher is beneficial for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Choose partial shade, keep soil moist, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleCardinal flower 'Queen Victoria' begins its life as a seed, germinating in moist soil conditions, often in spring. Upon sprouting, the seedling establishes a root system and grows into a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, usually within the second year, it sends up tall flower spikes that bear striking red, tubular flowers favored by hummingbirds and butterflies. After pollination, typically by these creatures, the flowers produce small fruit capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. Once seeds are dispersed by wind or water, the parent plant dies back in late fall or early winter, completing its perennial life cycle. Each year, new plants may grow from seeds or the plant may regenerate from its rootstock if conditions are suitable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' is through seed sowing. Ideally, seeds should be started indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds on the surface of a moist, well-drained seed starting mix, as they require light for germination. Do not cover the seeds with soil but gently press them into the medium. Keep the seed tray in a warm location — around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) — and maintain consistent moisture. Germination should occur in two to three weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed a couple of sets of true leaves and can be moved outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and they have been appropriately acclimated.
