Is Cardinal Flower safe for pets?

No, Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis) is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets.

Is Cardinal Flower easy to care for?

Cardinal Flower has a medium care difficulty rating. It requires high watering and full_sun or partial_shade light.

Can Cardinal Flower grow indoors?

Cardinal Flower is primarily an outdoor plant and may not thrive indoors without specialized conditions.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis) is a perennial herb in the Campanulaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires high watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

A striking perennial with vivid red flower spikes, native to North America.

Last updated: February 2026

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia Cardinalis

A striking perennial with vivid red flower spikes, native to North America.

Quick Facts

Type

herb

Lifecycle

perennial

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Water Needs

High

Light

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Hardiness Zones

3-9

Safety

⚠️

Not Pet Safe

⚠️

Not Child Safe

☠️

Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, silty, peaty

Indoor:No

Outdoor:Yes

Garden Use:specimen, pollinator support, wildlife habitat

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Cardinal Flower

Jan

Prune

Feb

Fertilize

Mar

Repot

Apr

Water+

May

...

Jun

...

Jul

...

Aug

...

Sep

...

Oct

...

Nov

...

Dec

...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

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Taxonomy

Family:Campanulaceae

Genus:Lobelia