Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower  (lobelia cardinalis)

With its brilliant red blossoms at the end of 3-4′ stalks, Cardinal Flower (lobelia cardinalis) is ideal for attracting hummingbirds. It grows best in moist–even wet–soil in full or partial sun and will thrive along the margin of a garden pool. Once established, it usually will re-seed itself. An individual stalk of Cardinal Flower continues to blossom for several weeks. By the time the flowers at the top of the stalk are open, the older flowers at the base have already set seed.

Canna

Canna, or Indian Shot, is an annual in northern climates; growing from a tuberous root that needs to be dug out and stored at the end of each growing season. Though this makes for a little extra work, the late summer to fall blooms are worth the effort – especially in areas where hot sun is present as they can withstand (and actually thrive in) such heat. Cannas grow up to 6′, but are only zone 7 tolerant.

Canada Lily

 

Canada Lily is a magnificent tall woodland lily, grows wild in damp meadows and thickets from Alabama to Quebec. The flowers are usually yellow, but may instead be orange or red. Seed-grown plants may take 5-6 years to flower, so planting Wood Lily bulbs is preferable. The flowers appear in mid summer. Canada Lily prefers moist, slightly acid to neutral soil in full sun or light shade, and grows 4-6′ tall in zone 3 tolerant locations.