Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'

For drama in the rain garden, meadow, or border, there is nothing quite like Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle.' The foliage of this dark-leaved, red-flowering Cardinal Flower emerges near-black and gleaming in spring then matures to maroon as the mercury climbs. It keeps its purple-black coloration until season’s end. The tall spires of this pollinator magnet are lined with dark red, tubular flowers that beckon hummingbirds and butterflies from summer to fall. PP 25,687

Lobelia is a genus of 365 species of annuals and perennials, many of them native to North America. The perennials bloom from summer to early fall and are prized by gardeners for their spires of colorful flowers, which open progressively from bottom to top. Plants thrive in full sun or partial shade (which they require in the South) and average to damp soil with a slightly acid pH.

For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.