Garvies Point Museum and Preserve

Red Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis Available through our Native Plant Sale! Highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies! Hummingbirds have evolved to see red more vibrantly and are attracted to red objects as red seems to indicate a higher yield of nectar source. Similar theory as to why when fruit ripens it normally turns from greenish to more vibrant reds, oranges, etc. Hummingbirds are attracted to other color flowers too and will visit flowers with a long-tub...ed neck or throat. You do not need to add red food coloring to hummingbird feeders! Grows 3-4ft tall in part sun-sun, prefers medium-wet soil, can tolerate moist soil as it naturally grows in wetlands, pond edges, and open woodlands. Red cardinal flower is known as a short-lived perennial which means it typically only lives for a few years (3-4) in comparison to longer-lived perennials which can live for many more. However, cardinal flower will readily re-seed where happy so be aware of basal rosette of leaves (see picture). This is the start of a new cardinal flower plant! They normally overwinter as roots and leaves that hug the ground, once spring and summer come, they send up flower stalk. In the photo, you can still see last year’s flower stalk coming out of center of rosette.

Check out our feature on News12 with Elisa DiStefano !

Museum and gift shop open 10am -4pm today! Mention this post for an additional 10% off today only! So many unique gifts for any family member or friend. Many activities indoors and out today all included with admission. Join us!

Our Museum Gift Shop is the perfect place for Holiday shopping! We are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm. No charge to enter shop. Friends member receive 10% discount. Special discounts on #shopsmallsaturday on Sat Nov 28! Thank you for your support!