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Description
Lobelia Cardinalis, also known as Cardinal Flower, is a stunning perennial plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the Campanulaceae family and is known for its bright red flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and is often used in gardens and landscapes as a focal point.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Lobelia |
Appearance
The Lobelia Cardinalis plant has bright green leaves that are lance-shaped and can grow up to 8 inches long. The plant produces tall spikes that can reach up to 4 feet tall, with each spike containing multiple bright red flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. The flowers are tubular in shape and have five petals that spread out to form a star shape. The plant is often used in gardens and landscapes as a focal point due to its striking appearance.
Care Guide
It is important to give Lobelia Cardinalis the proper care in order to keep it healthy and thriving. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and again in mid-summer.Soil: The plant prefers rich, moist soil that is well-draining. It can also tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.Sunlight: Lobelia Cardinalis prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can also tolerate full shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 2-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lobelia Cardinalis is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant has good airflow and avoid overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, so monitor the plant regularly and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Habitat
Lobelia Cardinalis is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, along streams and rivers, and in other moist areas. The plant prefers full to partial sun and moist soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Lobelia Cardinalis plant?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.Q: What is the best fertilizer to use on Lobelia Cardinalis?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and again in mid-summer.Q: What hardiness zones is Lobelia Cardinalis suited for?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 2-9.Q: What pests and diseases should I watch out for with Lobelia Cardinalis?
A: The plant is generally not prone to many pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Lobelia Cardinalis:- Lobelia Siphilitica- Lobelia Inflata- Lobelia Tupa- Lobelia Erinus- Lobelia Urens
References
– “Lobelia Cardinalis – Cardinal Flower.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276947&isprofile=0&.- “Lobelia Cardinalis.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. content.ces.ncsu.edu/lobelia-cardinalis.- “Cardinal Flower.” University of Illinois Extension. extension.illinois.edu/wildflowers/directory_show.cfm?plantID=574.
