PondScape
Cardinal Flower Hardy Marginal Plant
Best choice for pond owners wanting to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The Pink Cardinal Flower, scientifically known as Lobelia x speciosa'Pink', is a hardy marginal plant celebrated for its stunning summer blooms. It features gorgeous green foliage with narrow, ovate leaves that may turn reddish. This perennial typically reaches a mature height of about 2.5 feet. Its vibrant pink flowers, measuring 1-2 inches long, are highly attractive to local wildlife, including hummingbirds and butterflies. Native to North America, this plant thrives in pond margins and offers reliable color throughout the growing season.
$8.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Scientific Name
Lobelia x speciosa'Pink'
/ Lobelia x speciosa'Pink'
Who it's for
- Wildlife enthusiasts looking to attract hummingbirds to their garden
- Pond owners seeking hardy plants for shallow water edges
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance perennials that return every year
Who should skip it
- Gardeners desiring a long-lasting floral display throughout the season
- Owners of sunny, exposed landscapes without shaded areas
- Families with curious pets or small children at home
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
Vibrant blooms act as a magnet for hummingbirds and local butterflies.
Seasonal Longevity
Reliable pink flowers provide consistent color throughout the entire summer season.
Hardiness
Robust perennial growth ensures dependable return in suitable climate zones.
Visual Impact
Striking foliage and vivid blooms create a high-contrast pond edge aesthetic.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives in pond margins with minimal intervention once properly established.
Growth Versatility
Ideal height for pond borders but requires specific zone 8 conditions.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Lobelia x speciosa'Pink'
Type
Hardy marginal plant
Height
2-3 feet (approx. 60-91 cm)
Flower Size
1-2 inches long
Hardiness Zone
8
Native To
North America
Available Pot Sizes
2" Pot and 4" Pot
Features
- Produces stunning pink flowers that bloom continuously all summer long
- Attracts beneficial pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies
- Features attractive green foliage that may develop reddish tones
- Ideal for placement at the edge of ponds or water features
- Hardy perennial providing reliable seasonal interest
What customers say
The Cardinal Flower plants consistently earn high marks for quality and ease of use. Customers frequently report that the plants arrive exceptionally healthy and are packaged robustly, ensuring immediate vitality upon arrival. This high initial quality translates directly into successful establishment, even for new water gardeners. Buyers appreciate how easily these marginal plants thrive, providing reliable, vibrant color quickly without requiring specialized care.
Know before you buy
As a marginal plant, it thrives best in shallow water. Place it in pond margins where the water depth is no more than 2 to 3 inches deep, or keep the soil consistently saturated.
The Cardinal Flower is rated for hardiness zone 8. If you live in a region with significantly colder winters, you may need to move the plant to a sheltered location or indoors during the dormant season.
While it can tolerate partial shade, it performs best and produces the most vibrant blooms when placed in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day.
Since this perennial reaches a mature height of 2.5 feet, we recommend spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and healthy foliage development.
No, this plant is native to North America and is not considered invasive. It grows in a clump-forming habit, making it easy to manage in a controlled pond or garden environment.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$9