Sinningia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

Scientific Name

Sinningia cardinalis (Lehm.) H.E.Moore

Common Name(s)

Cardinal Flower

Synonym(s)

Corytholoma cardinale, Dircaea cardinalis, Gesneria cardinalis, Rechsteineria cardinalis

Scientific Classification

Family: Gesneriaceae
Genus: Sinningia

Description

Sinningia cardinalis is a beautiful plant with annual, erect to ascending stems bearing velvety, bright-green leaves that sprout in the spring from a round basal caudex. The stems are pale green, hairy, and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The tuber can reach 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, and 6 inches (15 cm) wide.

Flowers are brilliant orange-red, hooded, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, and can appear multiple times from late winter to mid-summer.

Origin

Sinningia cardinalis is native to Brazil (Rio de Janeiro).

Sinningia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) — *Photo by Sándor Horváth*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Sinningias grow from tubers, so there is seasonality to them. When the plant is actively growing, keep it lightly moist. When the foliage dies back, mist the soil regularly to keep the tubers from drying out too much. Start your regular watering when new leaves start to show. As with most plants, Sinningias can survive a short drought, but they do not recover from drowning. Use tepid water when watering. Nobody enjoys a cold shower. Water the soil, not the plant. Sinningias are prone to crown rot and gray mold, which happens when the leaves stay wet. Do not let the plant sit in water, and it must be well-drained.

These are shade plants. Morning or soft late afternoon light is best. That means an East, shaded West, or North-facing window. By all means, avoid direct sun during the harsh "skin cancer" hours of the day.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sinningia.

Photo Gallery

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