Zone 3 · Cardinal Flower

Planting Cardinal Flower in Zone 3

Lobelia cardinalis

✅ Cardinal Flower thrives in zone 3 (hardy 3–9)

Can I plant today?

Last frost is in 4 weeks. Wait until soil warms.

Evaluated for April 27, 2026 ·

Zone's last frost

around May 15

Zone's first frost

around September 15

Bloom window

July – September

Peak bloom

August

Sun required

part sun, shade

Mature height

36"

Spacing

12" apart

Type

perennial

How to plant Cardinal Flower in zone 3

Plant in spring in consistently moist soil — great near ponds or rain gardens. The hummingbird flower.

Cardinal Flower peaks in August. These companions keep your bed in color before and after.

Purple Coneflower

Peaks in July

Tulip

Peaks in April

Daffodil

Peaks in April

Bee Balm

Peaks in July

Want a full bed designed for zone 3?