By Robert Spencer
Over the Dam
Cardinal Flowers, Both Red and Blue
Labor Day has passed and suddenly Hannaford is a peaceful place to shop. Not only has the number of cars racing by the house dropped, but the traffic in our Pondside garden has slowed. Gone are the numerous ruby-throated hummingbirds that have been fattening themselves with pollen, to be ready for the journey south. For the last month their busy wings have been shaking the foliage of Cardinal Flowers, both red (Lobelia cardinalis) and blue (L. siphilitica) as their long tongues licked out the pollen deep within tubular flowers. Cardinal Flowers are ornithophilous, meaning they have evolved to be pollenated by birds only, not insects. So, if you have these stunning perennials in your garden, you are sure to attract hummingbirds.
Both Lobelias, native to Maine, are very picky about their growing conditions and therefore are not widespread. They prefer rich soil, which is constantly moist throughout the growing season, even surviving inundation that would rot other plants. Full to part sun is required for spiky stems to reach a height of 5-6’. Although short lived, they readily self-seed, with each plant producing thousands of seeds. Deadheading will increase the number of flowers on each plant but will also reduce seed production. In proper conditions, Lobelia will colonize quickly from seed and sending out runners.
The common name Cardinal Flower came from the similarity of the brilliant red flower color to the red robes worn by Catholic Cardinals, not, as some believe, by comparison to our own Northern Cardinal bird.
Although all parts of the plants are toxic to humans and pets, there is a history of its medicinal use by Native Americans. An infusion of leaves was used to relieve fever sores, cramps and upset stomachs, as well as typhoid and sterility. The Great Blue form gained its name “siphilitica” because it could be prescribed to treat, you guessed it, syphilis.
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