Plant of the Week – Cardinal Flower

I am currently visiting Upstate New York, the area that has created much of the inspiration Eagleson Landscape Co. brings home to Indiana in our own landscape designs.  As I take in the beauty of the Hudson river outside my back porch and the mountains surrounding me I am continuously struck by one simple red bloom on the river bank.  This same red bloom has been a never changing part of the scenery here, simple, yet stunning against the deep green foliage seen everywhere else.  This red bloom that has caught my attention for nearly 24 years, is Lobelia cardinalis,  or the Cardinal Flower.Cardinal Flower

A Late summer to early Fall blooming perennial, Cardinal Flowers bring an elegance to a suitable landscape.  Perfect in partial shade or along a creek or pond, the Cardinal flower sends up a spike of flowers which can be red, pink or white and stand out against their dark green foliage.  Being a native to North America means this plant is non-invasive and therefore can be planted without worry of it over taking your personal pond or creek.  It also attracts butterflies, honeybees, and hummingbirds to your garden.  When planted in a proper location it is a low maintenance plant which self seeds to ensure it lives on in your garden.

Interested in the Cardinal Flower?  Read more about it here to see if its right for your landscape!

Sam Eagleson