Cardinal flower can routinely handle the wide range of temperatures across USDA zones 3 to 9. It is known to survive down to -34°F, and some zone 2 gardeners have grown it successfully.

Cardinal flower stems can stand up to 8 feet high but are more commonly between 3-5 feet. The stem and alternating leaves are rather coarse and certainly robust.

Besides Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Columbine (Aquilegia), wild petunias (Ruellia, which isn’t a petunia relative), and blanket flower (Gaillardia) are other examples of ruderal species.

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The cardinal flower has an eye-catching color that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flower prefers to grow in wet or damp areas.