Yesterday I was relaxing in my patio lounger with my feet propped up when a hummer almost took off my toes as he zoomed by on his way from the salvia to the Cardinal flower!
What was the rush? Cardinal flower, that's what. This beautiful native plant is a garden standout and a hummingbird magnet. My resident ruby-throated hummingbirds love Cardinal flower. They visit it multiple times every day. And I love the intense scarlet blooms, which open from bottom to top on tall sturdy spikes.
In my garden (zone 7), Cardinal flower blooms in late July. It likes part shade and rich, light, slightly acidic soil that's kept moist (hint-- mulch with three to four inches of shredded leaves). It grows two to five feet tall and is hardy in zones 3-10. This herbaceous perennial is a poisonous plant and can cause death in humans if eaten, so you might not want to plant it in your garden if you have small children.
If you’re interested in propagating Cardinal flower, divide and replant the rosettes that form around the base of the plant. Division can be done in spring or fall. Be sure to water well for several weeks to encourage root formation.
Would you like to see hummingbirds and butterflies up close? Plant Cardinal flower in containers on your patio or deck. To make sure they stay moist, set the containers in a tray of water. Then enjoy the show--and stand back a little so you don't get run over.
Do you have a gardening question? Call our Delaware County Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
September 8, 2007: Gourds & Birdhouses
Learn how to make birdhouses and other useful items from gourds you can grow in your garden. This is a hands-on workshop.
September 29, 2007: Master Gardeners Fall Fest & Plant Sale
Registration required for all events (except plant sale). Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website
