Saturday, August 15, 2015

A New Perennial in the Garden: Cardinal Flower

Last fall I added a couple of new perennials to my gardens.  One of them was a wildflower known as Cardinal Flower or Red Lobelia.  These are Missouri native perennials which typically grow in moist locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps and in low wooded areas.  We've had so much rain this summer, the two small starts I planted have multiplied and flourished!
These bright and beautiful flowers were named for the bright 
 red robes worn by Roman Catholic Cardinals.

They also remind me of our pretty red birds that are plentiful here 
in Missouri year round.
Although this little butterfly stopped by for visit, most of the pollination for the Cardinal Flower is done by hummingbirds.  I've seen several of our little hummers hanging out here but haven't been able to get a photo of one yet.
These vibrant and lovely blooms won't last very long 
but while they do, they make quite a statement! 

I'm so please they have done well.  Most of my other flowers have had a hard time since the tornado and over 20 inches of rain earlier this summer! 

Have you planted something new this year?  How is it growing?


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5 comments:

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Oh those are beauties! I can't believe I don't have any of them myself! I watched a hummingbird for several minutes this morning drinking from my Fuchsia and didn't think to get my camera. Such an intriguing bird!

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Yiu have such pretty flowers in your garden and I love that shade of red! Hope you are enjoying summer.

Stephanie said...

My, what stunning pictures! And the butterfly is quite the beauty. I always love seeing Cardinals because they remind me of my precious grandmother....she loved them :) Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!

Nancy Vance said...

I love Cardinal Flower! It grows wild around here, and is just now starting to bloom. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Really beautiful! I would love some in my garden. I'll have to see if I can find them around here. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann