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Woodland sage and Cardinal flower: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.
COMMON CHOICE

Woodland sage

Salvia nemorosa
NATIVE ALTERNATIVE

Cardinal flower

Lobelia cardinalis
Erect spikes of small violet flowers.
3268zauber · CC BY-SA 3.0
Spike of bright red flowers. GO NATIVE
Debbie Roos · CC BY 2.0
Native range
Europe and west-central AsiaS. Canada to N. Colombia.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shadePart sun & shade
Soil moisture
Moist to occasionally dry; well-drained soilMoist to wet / Average moisture
Mature height
1½–3 ft4–5 ft
Mature spread
6 in–2 ft1–2 ft
USDA hardiness zones
4–83–9
Season of interest
Summer–early fallSummer–Fall
Garden & wildlife value
Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.Late red flowers supply nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Growing notes
A compact, clumping perennial. Cutting back spent flower spikes can encourage another flush.Never let the soil dry out; afternoon shade helps in hot climates.
Growing information Growing information Native range: Kew

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.