Lobelia cardinalis

(cardinal flower)

Habitat:Wet meadows, marshes, streambanks and pond shores; can withstand occasional flooding. Cardinal Flower adapts to loam, sandy loam, or gravelly soil; the soil should contain some organic matter to retain moisture. This plant doesn't like to dry out and it has a reputation of being temperamental and short-lived. It is easier to establish this plant using transplants, as the seeds are quite small and the young seedlings are rather fragile.