Perennials
Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Black Truffle cardinal flower
Dark chocolate-purple leaves set off upright spikes of scarlet flowers. A striking accent for moist borders. Use it in moist borders and pond edges.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Mature size
- 35–47 in. tall × 23–35 in. wide
- Water
- Average to wet soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–9
- Bloom
- Red; mid–late summer into early fall.
Sizes & prices
- #1$19.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Drought
- Keep roots moist.
- Wet soil
- Tolerates wet garden soil.
- Clay soil
- Suitable with appropriate drainage.
Pollinators & wildlife
- Attracts
- Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Native range
- Native range / parentage
- Cultivar of eastern North American native cardinal flower. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
- Tristate native status
- Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Keep in mind: Harmful if eaten.
Growing & care
- Watering
- Check moisture during hot, dry weather.
- Maintenance
- Leave sound stems for winter interest and wildlife if desired. Remove dead stems before fresh spring growth, avoiding new shoots and retaining healthy basal foliage.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: Plants Nouveau / Plants Nouveau garden center promotional image permission; resized and converted to WebP · Plants Nouveau garden center promotional image permission
Image notes: Black Truffle cardinal flower showing red flowers above dark foliage. Photo courtesy of Plants Nouveau. Plants Nouveau / Plants Nouveau garden center promotional image permission. Resized and converted to WebP.
Reviewed September 19, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.