Cardinal flower Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis'
ABOUT
Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis', commonly known as the cardinal flower, has a striking appearance that catches the eye in a garden landscape. The plant flaunts vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are usually a vivid shade of red, although they can sometimes exhibit hues of pink or white. These flowers are neatly arranged in tall, dense spikes that rise gracefully above the foliage, providing a vertical accent to the plant's overall structure. The leaves of the cardinal flower are narrow and elongated, with a slightly toothed margin that gives them a serrated appearance. Their color is typically a deep, rich green, which creates a beautiful contrast against the fiery blooms. The plant's leaves form a lush, basal rosette that serves as a backdrop to the prominent floral spikes. Throughout its blooming period, the cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it not only a visually striking addition to the garden but also a beneficial plant for supporting local pollinators. The overall impression of Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis' is one of vibrant color and elegant vertical lines, which can enhance the diversity and visual interest of any garden composition where it is featured.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Hybrid Lobelia, Garden Lobelia
Common names
Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lobelia, including the hybrid Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis', contains several alkaloids such as lobeline that can be toxic if ingested in significant amounts. The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the amount consumed. Symptoms of Lobelia poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, dizziness, excessive salivation, weakness, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to convulsions, coma, and even be potentially fatal.
To pets
Lobelia can also be toxic to pets if ingested. The alkaloids present in the plant, such as lobeline, can cause similar symptoms in pets as they do in humans. These symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, and a rapid heart rate. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to muscle weakness, convulsions, and potentially fatal respiratory failure. It's important to prevent pets from ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis', commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is known to attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators to the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its striking red flowers, it adds vibrant color and visual interest to garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Wildlife habitat: It provides nectar for pollinators, which is essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention aside from occasional watering and deadheading.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to part shade, and is moist-soil tolerant.
- Seasonal interest: The plant blooms typically in late summer, offering a burst of color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Garden design versatility: Its upright habit and unique flower spikes provide height and structure to mixed plantings.
- Naturalizing: In favorable conditions, it can naturalize and fill in areas, creating dense swathes of color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye, the flowers of Lobelia can be used to create shades of blue and purple on textiles.
- In art, the diverse and vibrant colors of Lobelia can inspire painters and be used as a subject in botanical illustration.
- As an educational tool in schools, Lobelia can be used to teach children about plant biology through its varied structure and growth habits.
- Lobelia can be used in photography, with its striking flowers offering a compelling subject for macro photography enthusiasts.
- In frosty climates, Lobelia can serve as an indicator plant for gardeners, as it is sensitive to cold and can signal the approach of frost.
- The plant's stems can be woven into small, decorative baskets by artisans skilled in plant-based crafts.
- As a component in floral waters or mists, the Lobelia’s scent can be captured by distillation for its aromatic properties.
- In culinary presentations, though not edible, Lobelia can be used as a non-toxic garnish to enhance the visual appeal of dishes.
- Lobelia can play a role in companion planting, helping to attract beneficial insects or deter pests when paired with vegetable crops.
- In biodegradable crafts, Lobelia’s stems and flowers can be incorporated into eco-friendly jewelry or ornaments that decompose naturally over time.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cardinal Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cardinal Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Distinction: Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis', commonly known as cardinal flower or simply lobelia, is often associated with distinction due to its striking, bold colors and unique flower shape, which easily stands out among other plants.
- Devotion and dedication: The intensity of the flowers' hue can symbolize deep feelings of devotion, whether in love, passion, or commitment to a cause.
- Healing: Historically, lobelia has been used in medicinal preparations, which can translate to a symbolic meaning of healing and recovery.
WaterCardinal flowers should be watered regularly to keep their soil consistently moist, especially during summer's hot spells when they may require water every other day. To determine if watering is necessary, check the first few inches of soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Provide approximately 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, making sure not to let the plant sit in standing water. During cooler months or if rainfall is sufficient, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. It’s critical for the health of the Cardinal flower to maintain an appropriate watering schedule, as both drought and overwatering can be detrimental.
LightCardinal flowers thrive best in full to partial sunlight. They require a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, but can also benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day. An ideal spot is where they receive morning sunlight and are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, such as the east or north-facing side of a garden.
TemperatureCardinal flowers prefer temperatures between 60°F and 70°F but can tolerate a range from about 50°F to 85°F. They are quite hardy and can survive cooler temperatures down to about 20°F, though growth will be minimal until warmer conditions return. It's important to protect them from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 85°F can stress the plants.
PruningCardinal flowers benefit from pruning to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooming. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the blooming season encourages new flowers. In late fall or early spring, prune back the plant to about 6 inches to invigorate new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. It's best to prune when growth starts to look sparse or after the majority of blooms have faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cardinal Flower 'Vedrariensis' is a well-draining, fertile mix with plenty of organic matter. Aim for a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, leaning towards slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingCardinal Flower 'Vedrariensis' does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound.
Humidity & MistingCardinal Flower 'Vedrariensis' thrives in moderate humidity levels, but as a garden plant, it is adaptable to outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleLobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis', also known as hybrid lobelia, begins its life cycle with seed germination in spring, when temperatures allow for the warming of the soil. Seedlings emerge and grow into young plants, gradually developing a root system and vegetative structures. During the growing season, leafy stems elongate, and by mid-to-late summer, the plant produces characteristic spiked flowers in shades of red, pink, or purple that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which eventually release seeds as the plant senesces in fall. The plant typically dies back after the first frost, completing its annual cycle, though it may behave as a short-lived perennial in warmer climates. To ensure the continuity of the hybrid lobelia, gardeners often collect seeds or propagate the plant through cuttings for the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating Lobelia × speciosa 'Vedrariensis', commonly known as the hybrid lobelia, is through division. This is best done in the spring as new growth appears. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring to keep a good amount of root mass intact. Gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and roots attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in the garden, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart, and watered well to establish them. This method allows the hybrid lobelia to maintain its vigor and produces flowering plants more reliably than seed propagation.
