The Best Cardinal Flower Companion Plants

The Best Cardinal Flower Companion Plants

Cardinal flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can really shine when planted with the right companion plants. Here are some of the best companion plants for cardinal flowers:

• Blue lobelia: This is a classic companion plant for cardinal flowers, and for good reason. The bright blue flowers of blue lobelia provide a perfect contrast to the deep red of cardinal flowers. Blue lobelia also prefers the same moist, shady conditions as cardinal flowers, so they make a great team.
• Orange coneflower: This vibrant orange flower adds a touch of brightness to any garden, and it pairs well with the deep red of cardinal flowers. Orange coneflowers also attract butterflies and other pollinators, so they're a great way to add wildlife to your garden.
• Swamp milkweed: Swamp milkweed is a native plant that is a favorite of monarch butterflies. It's also a great companion plant for cardinal flowers, as it prefers the same moist, shady conditions. Swamp milkweed blooms in late summer, so it will provide a long season of color in your garden.
• Monkey flower: This colorful flower is a native of North America, and it blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, and white. Monkey flower prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It's a great way to add a touch of tropical flair to your garden.
• Bristly buttercup: This cheerful yellow flower is a great choice for shady gardens. It's also deer-resistant, so you won't have to worry about your plants being eaten. Bristly buttercup blooms in early summer, so it's a great way to add some early color to your garden.
• Wild iris: This native wildflower is a beautiful addition to any garden. It blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white, and it prefers moist, shady conditions. Wild iris is a great way to add a touch of natural beauty to your garden.
• Swamp rose: This hardy perennial is a great choice for wet areas. It blooms in shades of pink, red, and white, and it attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Swamp rose is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your garden.

These are just a few of the many great companion plants for cardinal flowers. When choosing companion plants, it's important to consider the size, color, and growing conditions of the plants. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Cardinal flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they can be even more stunning when paired with the right companion plants. Some good choices include blue lobelia, swamp milkweed, and monkey flower. These plants all have similar growing conditions, so they will thrive in the same type of soil and moisture level. They also complement each other's colors well, creating a stunning display in your garden.

For more information about cardinal flower companion plants, please visit Garden Wiki. This website has a comprehensive list of plants that work well with cardinal flowers, as well as tips on how to plant and care for these beautiful flowers.

FAQ of cardinal flower companion plants

• What are some good companion plants for cardinal flowers?

Some good companion plants for cardinal flowers include:

• Swamp milkweed
• Liatris spicata
• Monarda didyma
• White turtlehead
• Great blue lobelia
• New York ironweed
• Joe Pye weed
• Purple coneflower
• Crocosmia
• Kniphofia

These plants all prefer moist soil and full sun, and they will help to attract pollinators to your garden.

• What are some things to avoid when choosing companion plants for cardinal flowers?

Some things to avoid when choosing companion plants for cardinal flowers include:

• Plants that are too tall, as they will shade out the cardinal flowers.

• Plants that require a lot of water, as this can lead to root rot in cardinal flowers.

• Plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as cardinal flowers.

• How do I plant cardinal flower companion plants?

To plant cardinal flower companion plants, you will need to:

1. Choose a location that receives full sun and has moist soil.
2. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and rocks.
3. Dig holes that are the same depth and width as the root balls of the plants.
4. Place the plants in the holes and backfill with soil.
5. Water the plants thoroughly.

• How do I care for cardinal flower companion plants?

To care for cardinal flower companion plants, you will need to:

• Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize them once a month during the growing season.
• Deadhead the flowers to encourage new blooms.
• Protect them from pests and diseases.

Image of cardinal flower companion plants

1. Great Blue Lobelia

Great Blue Lobelia is a native North American plant that is a perfect companion for cardinal flowers. The two plants have complementary colors, and they both thrive in moist, shady conditions.

2. Orange Coneflower

Orange coneflowers are another great choice for companion plants with cardinal flowers. The two plants have contrasting colors that create a visually appealing display.

3. Blue Flag Iris

Blue flag iris is a native North American plant that is a beautiful addition to any garden. It blooms in the summer, and its blue flowers complement the red flowers of cardinal flowers.

4. Fox Sedge

Fox sedge is a low-growing plant that is perfect for adding texture and interest to a garden. It has green leaves that turn red in the fall, and it is a good choice for shady areas.

5. Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed is a native North American plant that is a host plant for monarch butterflies. It blooms in the summer, and its purple flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

6. Monkey Flower

Monkey flower is a native North American plant that is a hummingbird magnet. It blooms in the summer, and its bright orange flowers are sure to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

7. Bristly Buttercup

Bristly buttercup is a native North American plant that is a good choice for shady areas. It blooms in the spring, and its yellow flowers are a welcome sight after a long winter.

8. Wild Iris

Wild iris is a native North American plant that is a beautiful addition to any garden. It blooms in the spring, and its blue, purple, or white flowers are sure to brighten your day.

9. Swamp Rose

Swamp rose is a native North American plant that is a good choice for shady areas. It blooms in the summer, and its pink flowers are a welcome sight in a shady garden.

10. Bee Balm

Bee balm is a native North American plant that is a magnet for bees and butterflies. It blooms in the summer, and its pink, purple, or white flowers are sure to attract pollinators to your garden.