There are certain plants that are inexplicably under used. The red cardinal flower, lobelia, is one of them. This is a well behaved perennial (unlike the blue lobelia which seeds abundantly and is short lived). It prefers stream banks or pond locations, where its roots can get wet, but the basal crown of leaves is not drowned. Unlike the fiddled fancy pinks that have been bred, it is a very tough plant. During August, its scarlet red flower spikes give long lasting color and will do so even in fairly deep shade. Hummingbirds love it.
Acair Fearann 