Cardinal Flower is a perennial grown for its blooms, which open in summer and return year after year. Notably, it shrugs off deer. Its summer flowers are a real draw for hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
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Sun
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Days to Maturity
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Score Cardinal Flower on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether cardinal flower actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score cardinal flower against your land's real conditions.
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What Cardinal Flower is
Cardinal Flower grows as a perennial and reaches around three feet at maturity. It blooms in summer. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Cardinal Flower
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
Data pending
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Data pending
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
Data pending
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
3 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
0+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant cardinal flower in full sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Pull a soil test from your local Extension lab to confirm pH and drainage match cardinal flower's needs before planting.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. Match watering to the plant's drainage preference and your local rainfall.
Harvest at its peak
Cut cardinal flower blooms in the cool of the morning, just as they open, for the longest display.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — cardinal flower is toxic to dogs and cats (moderate severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Cardinal Flower is a standout pollinator plant — high value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Cardinal Flower thrives
Whether cardinal flower thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Cardinal Flower will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether cardinal flower actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Cardinal Flower in my zone?
Zone data for cardinal flower is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Cardinal Flower?
Most growers plant cardinal flower after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
What soil does Cardinal Flower need?
Specific pH data for cardinal flower is pending. A soil test from your local Extension lab confirms what your site needs.
Does Cardinal Flower attract pollinators?
Yes — cardinal flower's flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Cardinal Flower safe for pets?
Cardinal Flower is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with moderate severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.