Hello!

To anyone growing Cardinal Flower in zone 6, could I see your current growth state? Mine is in its second year after planting and is tiny. Flush to the ground with what looks like one mound of growth. I'll attach a pic when I get home but I'm wondering if it's scraping by because it might be getting too much shade.

I'm not in zone 6, but will ask if your Cardinal Flower is in dry shade or damp conditions? Cardinal Flowers are one of those rare plants that don't need good drainage, and can handle having somewhat "wet feet" in boggy conditions. If the shade your CF is in is too dry, they won't be too pleased.

Good luck,
Virginia

Here's mine.

I will say that the surrounding area has no problem growing moss. That would indicate a dampness right?

Moss may also indicate soil compaction and low fertility. Do you know why the seedlings around the plant in the stones have died?

Oh that was by my own doing with Round-up. I get a mass of those each year. Not sure what kinda plant the seedlings would turn out to be but it does sit under a giant bush which the previous owner told me is a form of hibiscus? But the cardinal flower sits offset so it does get sun.

There's the area for comparison. Yes I know! The weeds, argh but I just got lawn booster/weed killer but it's been raining the last couple days so I haven't been able to apply it.

And none of the herbicide could have got/drifted onto your bee balm (other thread)?

Back to the cardinal flower, the roots of the shrub likely extend to where the cardinal flower is so there may be some competition for moisture and nutrients But perhaps it just needs more time to get going.

I haven't sprayed Round-Up in the front for that very reason. I hand pull the weeds because of the plant proximities.

I was thinking the same on the root factor. Clearly the bush has a strong root system. I'll keep an eye on the upcoming weeks to see if there might be any improvement. Tomorrow I'll make a list of shade/sun times. That could help as well.

And there's no chance you used the same sprayer for the fungicide on the bee balm?

I used the Round-Up that doesn't attach to the hose. The one with the nozzle attached and is battery powered. The only hose attachment was the fungicide.