Vibrant Cardinal Flower with red blooms, green stems, broad leaves by water

Cardinal Flower

Buy 1 Get 1 Free
$9.99
Skip to product information
Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower

$9.99
Quantity: (Buy More, Save More)

Buy 1, Get 1 FREE - Add 1 to your cart, and we'll automatically send the second one FREE!
Have a question about this plant?
Fast Shipping Nationwide
Healthy Bare Rooted
Safe Ship Moisture Packed
Guaranteed Grower Direct

Hassle-Free Guarantee

WE GUARANTEE ALL PLANTS TO ARRIVE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

Trusted by Leading Organizations

Discovery Channel NASA The Washington Monument Arlington National Cemetery The Battery Conservancy
Vibrant Cardinal Flower with red blooms, green stems, broad leaves by water
1/5

Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Now

Planting Zone

3-9

Height at Maturity

Over 12"

Water Needs

Low and Moderate

Sun or Shade

Partial shade, Shade, and Full sun

Bloom Season

Summer

Care

Cardinal Flower Plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Keep the soil consistently wet and mulched to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly in early spring. Remove spent flowers to promote more flowers and prevent self-seeding.

Exposure

Cardinal Flower Plant thrives in partial to full sun but also appreciates some shade, especially in hot climates. It prefers bright, indirect light to ensure vibrant blooms and robust growth.

Plant Attributes

Striking red blooms in Summer , Deep green, lance-shaped leaves, Attracts pollintors like butterflies
How to tell if your bare root plants are alive or dead QR code
How to tell if your bare root plants are alive or dead

Scan to watch the quick scratch test we use to check trees, ferns, and perennials the moment they arrive.

Watch the video

Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Now

Planting Zone

3-9

Height at Maturity

Over 12"

Water Needs

Low and Moderate

Sun or Shade

Partial shade, Shade, and Full sun

Bloom Season

Summer

Care

Cardinal Flower Plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Keep the soil consistently wet and mulched to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly in early spring. Remove spent flowers to promote more flowers and prevent self-seeding.

Exposure

Cardinal Flower Plant thrives in partial to full sun but also appreciates some shade, especially in hot climates. It prefers bright, indirect light to ensure vibrant blooms and robust growth.

Plant Attributes

Striking red blooms in Summer , Deep green, lance-shaped leaves, Attracts pollintors like butterflies

Featured Reviews

4.6 (92 reviews)

    Customer Favorites That Go Will With Cardinal Flower
    Cardinal Flower Details

    Cardinal Flower

    Cardinal Flower is a North American perennial known for its tall spikes of brilliant red blooms and vibrant green leaves. There are always butterflies and hummingbirds around the blooms in Summer. It’s a favorite in pollinator gardens and naturalized landscapes across the United States, prized for its vibrant blood-red blooms.

    Is Cardinal Flower a Perennial or an Annual?

    Yes, it is a short-lived perennial, but it reseeds itself, so it often returns year after year, with mature, blooming plants. It is a pollinator favorite, especially for hummingbirds and butterflies.

    Zones, Soil, and Uses of this Vibrant Perennial Wildflower

    This native wildflower perennial thrives in USDA hardy planting zones 3-9. It's used in wet areas, often where little else will grow. It thrives in dappled sunlight and attracts so many hummingbirds, making it a major hit with homeowners wanting more than just beauty in their garden.

    Mature Height, Soil Requirements & Bloom Season

    At maturity, the cardinal flower reaches 2-4 feet, making it a highly prized plant for small area spaces. It also thrives in moist soils and does well in low areas or near tree edges, where the soil retains an alot of moisture. It blooms in mid to late Summer when most other perennials have stopped blooming for the year. This feature alone makes it a one-hit wonder for avid butterfly and hummingbird enthusiasts.

    Deer Resistant & Perfect For Rain Gardens, Water's Edge, or Water Features

    Being a plant deer doesn't usually bother, making it popular, versatile, and easy to grow without the fuss. It's perfect when planted alongside water features, fountains, or near the water's edge. And no matter where you plant it, even though it reseeds itself, you never have to worry about it becoming invasive.

    Below is a picture of our cardinal flower we ship out. We remove the tops, and the plant makes new ones the following Spring

    Stunning Visual Impact: 

    Cardinal Flower’s vivid red spikes provide a bold and dramatic splash of color that enhances any landscape. The striking hue creates an eye-catching focal point that adds depth and interest to your garden.

    Adds Vertical Interest: 

    With its tall, spiky flowers, Cardinal Flower introduces vertical dimension to flower beds and borders. This height creates a visually appealing contrast, drawing the eye upward and adding structure to your garden.

    Thrives in Moist Conditions: 

    Ideal for planting near water features or in damp soil, it excels in moist environments where other plants might struggle. This makes it a great choice for areas prone to wet conditions, ensuring vibrant blooms where others may fail.

    Attracts Hummingbirds: 

    Its bright red blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, bringing lively activity and a touch of nature’s charm. Watching these birds flutter around adds a dynamic and enchanting element to your outdoor space.

    ‹
    ›

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do cardinal flowers like sun or shade?

    Cardinal flowers grow best in full sun to partial shade. They thrive in moist soil and love spots near ponds or streams. With plenty of light and moisture, they bloom brightly all summer.
    Will cardinal flowers spread?

    Yes, cardinal flowers spread naturally over time. They reseed and form small colonies, creating vibrant clusters of red blooms. With moisture and sunlight, they expand beautifully each year.
    Do cardinal flowers come back every year?

    Yes, cardinal flowers come back every year. They are hardy perennials that return reliably with proper moisture and sunlight. Once established, they reseed and continue to brighten gardens season after season.

    Why Buy Bare Root Plants From TN Nursery?

    Since 1959, TN Nursery has grown and shipped quality bare root plants nationwide. Shipped during dormancy, bare-root plants develop strong root systems and establish quickly. Our experienced team carefully harvests and packages every order, providing growers with trusted plants backed by over 65 years of nursery experience.

    Learn More About

    Bare root trees

    How We Dig, Pack & Ship

    Fall Digging

    Spring Digging

    Packing Orders

    Customer Unboxing Video

    • 5 stars: 67 (73%)
    • 4 stars: 16 (17%)
    • 3 stars: 8 (9%)
    • 2 stars: 1 (1%)
    • 1 star: 0 (0%)
    C
    Candi
    Love it in my water garden

    Love it in my water garden

    Candi review photo
    B
    Bethany Litwiller
    Cardinal flower, Golden rod, Columbine, and larkspur delphinium

    All of my plants/roots arrived in excellent condition. This is the third time I have ordered from TN Nursery and my second order still hasn't arrived yet? The milkweed for the monarch butterflies from my first order is now sprouting leaves on all the roots! Very excited to watch the rest do the same. Especially the Bee balm and other pollinators from my second order? Just hope that they arrive soon. I have been very happy with all of plants so far being labeled and shipped in such great condition. I will recommend TN Nursery to anyone looking to plant any kind of garden. Awesome service all the way around!! 5 stars well deserved.

    C
    Customer
    Cardinal flower

    Arrived in good shape and got 2 extra starts with good live root systems. Now they just have to grow.

    L
    Larry Minch
    Great roots. Time will tell

    Very impressed with roots and packaging. Received well packed and moist. Planted immediately, looking good. Great communication from TN.

    R
    Ramona Cox
    Very pleased

    I received 4 cardinal cut plants in great condition! This was a replacement order from a previous order that wasn’t good plants upon arrival. *please note that isn’t a complaint! I’ve placed several orders & this was my first issue! All plants I’ve ordered are doing very well. Easy to work with if there’s an issue with orders; I sent pictures via email & received store credit. I did have to pay shipping again it is however fairly good prices so I didn’t mind that much. They have good sales often as well

    H
    Helen Aylward
    Healthy plants

    I cannot wait till next summer to see these cardinal flowers brighten up my front yard. The plants arrived well packed and ready to plant.

    G
    Guest Customer
    The Red Cardinal

    Liked the information for plants, good for the nonprofessional gardener.

    C
    Christopher Adams
    Excellent Buy

    My Cardinal Flower is doing amazing. It arrived quickly, was packaged carefully, and is already attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

    D
    David Miller
    Perfect Addition to My Garden

    The plants arrived healthy and strong. Within weeks, they were blooming beautifully. Couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

    E
    Emily Johnson
    Stunning Red Blooms

    Absolutely love this Cardinal Flower! It adds a bold splash of red to my garden and brings in hummingbirds every morning. Highly recommend!

    M
    Matthew Barnes
    Very Nice Cardinal Flower

    I really like the look of this plant in my garden. The blooms are bright, but I wish it spread a little faster. Still a great buy.

    B
    Brian Cooper
    Happy with My Purchase

    The plant arrived in good condition and has started to grow nicely. It’s not in full bloom yet, but I’m pleased with the quality.

    M
    Michelle Turner
    Lovely Plant with Some Care Needed

    The Cardinal Flower is gorgeous once established, but it did take some effort to get it settled in. Worth it for the stunning red blooms!

    K
    Kevin Simmons
    Mixed Feelings

    The plant arrived safely, but I’ve had a tough time keeping it vibrant. It’s still green, just not showing the bright colors I wanted yet.

    A
    Amanda Hayes
    Okay Purchase

    The Cardinal Flower is healthy but hasn’t bloomed yet. I expected to see flowers sooner. Fingers crossed it looks better next year.

    D
    Daniel Reed
    Decent Plant, Slow Start

    I was excited for the red blooms, but the plant came a little smaller than I thought. It’s surviving, but not growing very fast yet.

    J
    Jessica Morgan
    Pretty but Not Thriving

    The Cardinal Flower looked beautiful when it arrived, but it didn’t grow as quickly as I expected. Maybe it just needs more time to adjust. Hoping it fills out more by next season.

    C
    Chad Martin
    Easy way to buy the plants I want

    Plants arrived very quickly. Soak bare roots and water for a few hours and put them in the ground. So easy. TN Nursery is a great place to find your next garden.

    C
    Christopher Adams, North Carolina
    Bright, Hardy, and Stunning

    The Cardinal Flowers I ordered from TN Nursery are absolutely stunning. Their vivid red blooms add so much life to my garden, and they’ve already naturalized beautifully. I love how easy they are to grow and how quickly they attract pollinators. TN Nursery truly provides the best quality plants online.

    H
    Hannah Brooks, Wisconsin
    High-Quality Cardinal Flowers – Hummingbird Favorites

    TN Nursery delivered beautiful Cardinal Flowers that quickly became the star of my garden. Their red blossoms are not only striking but also attract hummingbirds and butterflies daily. The plants arrived fresh, packaged with care, and took to my soil right away. Excellent quality plants and service!

    N
    Nathan Clark, Indiana
    Thriving and Easy to Grow

    The Cardinal Flowers from TN Nursery are thriving in my garden. They arrived in great condition, well-rooted and lush. Within a short time, I saw tall stalks and bold blooms that brightened my landscape. These perennials are low-maintenance yet so rewarding, especially with all the pollinators they attract.

    S
    Sophia Turner, Kentucky
    Brilliant Color and Pollinator Friendly

    The Cardinal Flowers I planted from TN Nursery have been thriving beautifully. Their vivid red blooms create a dramatic splash of color, and I enjoy watching butterflies and hummingbirds flock to them. The plants arrived perfectly packaged, healthy, and ready to grow. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.

    D
    David Cooper, New York
    Top Quality Plants

    I absolutely love the Cardinal Flowers I purchased from TN Nursery. They arrived strong, fresh, and full of life. The bright red blossoms make my garden come alive, and they attract hummingbirds daily. These plants are easy to grow and thrive even in moist soil. TN Nursery **** disappoints with their native selections.

    O
    Olivia Martinez, Michigan
    Excellent Quality and Growth

    The Cardinal Flowers I ordered from TN Nursery arrived healthy and well-rooted, showing immediate signs of growth once planted. Their blooms are bold and eye-catching, making them the highlight of my garden. TN Nursery’s quality, customer service, and fast shipping are unmatched in the online plant world.

    M
    Michael Harris, Virginia
    Perfect Addition to My Garden

    TN Nursery shipped me gorgeous Cardinal Flowers that exceeded my expectations. The plants were strong, fresh, and packaged with care. Once planted, they established easily and now bloom beautifully in my shaded wet area, exactly as described. Their fiery red flowers are truly breathtaking.

    E
    Emily Rodriguez, Illinois
    Healthy, Lush, and Beautiful

    I was so impressed with the Cardinal Flowers from TN Nursery. The plants arrived vibrant and ready to plant, and they adjusted quickly to my garden soil. Their tall stems and vivid red blooms add a striking focal point while drawing in butterflies and hummingbirds. These native perennials are absolutely stunning.

    J
    Jonathan Price, Pennsylvania
    Stunning Blooms and Great Service

    The Cardinal Flowers I purchased from TN Nursery exceeded my expectations. Each plant was carefully packaged, arrived fresh, and showed strong growth almost immediately. Their bold red blossoms stand out in my garden and attract pollinators nonstop. I highly recommend TN Nursery for anyone looking for reliable native wildflowers.

    R
    Rebecca Collins, Ohio
    Vibrant and Hardy from TN Nursery

    I ordered Cardinal Flowers from TN Nursery, and they arrived in excellent condition—healthy, strong-rooted, and ready to plant. Within weeks, they established beautifully in my garden, producing brilliant red blooms that immediately attracted hummingbirds. TN Nursery consistently delivers high-quality native plants that thrive.

    D
    Dan Millar
    Droopy

    2pf the 5 droopy. The other 3 erect. Will see if droopy perk up in the ground and/or see if they grow next spring.

    D
    David Schoenberger

    We’ll see been in the ground a week should I expect them to grow now going into fall or will they grow up in spring?

    c
    christopher boyd

    Cardinal Flower