cardinal number are draw to garden with flowers that furnish both visual charm and sustenance . Bright , especially red , blooms can catch the aid of these colorful birds , as they are naturally pull to colors that match their own brilliant red feathers .

The structure of flowers plays a crucial role in draw in redbird ; those that abide seed are particularly alluring . These birds give on seeds , which become available as flowers transition from bloom to seed product , extend a natural intellectual nourishment provision .

A garden design with a multifariousness of flowering plants flower at different clock time of the twelvemonth can ensure a regular presence of cardinals . Such a garden not only provides food but also offers protection and nesting opportunities , making it a year - unit of ammunition harbour for these raspberry .

Flowers That Attract Cardinals

Sunflowers ( Helianthus annuus )

Sunflowers are perhaps one of the most in effect plant for attracting cardinals due to their large , source - occupy head . Cardinals can easily perch on these tall plants and beak at the seeds , which are both plentiful and nutritious . allow helianthus to mature and dry on the stem provide a innate eater for cardinals throughout the fall .

Coneflowers ( Echinacea purpurea )

coneflower , especially the purple varieties , are not only visually appealing but also process as a big food author for cardinals . After the flowers bloom , they develop semen head that are double-dyed for cardinals to course on . These perennials flower from tardy spring to other gloam , offer a long feeding season .

Zinnias ( Zinnia spp . )

Zinnias offer a burst of coloring in the garden while also draw in cardinals . When the flowers go to source , they provide a food reference that cardinal number readily swallow . Zinnia varieties with great , flat centers are especially beneficial as they make it easier for cardinals to get at the seeds .

Coreopsis ( Coreopsis spp . )

Known for their vivid , daisy - like flowers , coreopsis plants produce ejaculate that Cardinalis cardinalis enjoy . These blossom bloom for an elongated period of time , from late spring through to precipitate , control a steady supplying of food . Their cheerful , yellow blooms also add aesthetic appeal to any garden .

Marigolds ( Tagetes spp . )

Marigolds are renowned for their pest - repellant place , but they ’re also great for pull in cardinals once they ’ve gone to seed . The undimmed colour of marigolds can lure cardinals to your garden , and the seeds are a fillip food source .

Nasturtiums ( Tropaeolum majus )

Nasturtiums offer both dish and public-service corporation ; their vibrant prime and farewell are edible , but when left to produce seed , they become a dining smudge for cardinals . These plants can sprawl or climb , providing cover as well as food .

Purple Majesty Millet ( Pennisetum glaucum ‘ Purple Majesty ’ )

This cosmetic grass grows tall with striking majestic foliation and produces seed head that cardinals love . Its height not only provides seed but also a perch station , making it an first-class choice for attracting these chick .

Scarlet Sage ( Salvia splendens )

With its bright red flower , scarlet sage is particularly attractive to cardinals due to its color . While the peak themselves are not the food source , the plants produce seeds that cardinal will feed on once the bloom season ends .

Safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius )

Safflower plants create spiny , orange - yellow flowers that turn into seeds cardinals find appealing . Unlike some other seeds , Carthamus tinctorius is less attractive to many other birds , get it pretty selective for Richmondena Cardinalis , facilitate to see to it they have their fill .

Sweet Peas ( Lathyrus odoratus )

Sweet peas are climbers that grow beautiful , scented efflorescence . When allowed to senesce , they produce seeds that can draw in cardinal grosbeak . Their vining nature also offer likely nesting spots , adding to their attractiveness .

Elderberries ( Sambucus spp . )

Although primarily known for their berry , elderberry plants also produce seeds that cardinals enjoy . The dense foliage can provide shelter , and the Berry provide an additional food for thought source , particularly in the tardy summer and crepuscle .

Cosmos ( Cosmos bipinnatus )

Cosmos peak are easy to develop , provide an raiment of colour and a foresighted flower period . After flower , they produce seeds that cardinals can easily access . The plants ’ meridian also allows for perching , take in them a double - intention attracter for cardinals .

Black - Eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia hirta )

With their big , dark center surround by bright yellow flower petal , Black - Eyed Susans are not only a ocular treat but also a seed manufacturer that cardinals ca n’t resist . These flowers bloom from summertime into crepuscle , providing a long season of seed availability .

Goldenrod ( Solidago spp . )

Goldenrod ’s bright yellow plumes are a late - time of year flub , offering seeds when many other plant have discontinue . Cardinals are particularly drawn to these plant in autumn , realise goldenrod an fantabulous gain for late - season dame alimentation .

Globe Amaranth ( Gomphrena globosa )

This plant offer globe - shaped flowers in various colors , but it ’s the seeds that interest cardinals . Globe amaranth is also known for its length of service as a cut flower , but in the garden , it serves as a food reference for birds .

Bachelor ’s Button ( Centaurea cyanus )

Bachelor ’s Buttons , or cornflowers , provide patrician , purple , or pink flowers that turn into seeds cardinal enjoy . They ’re easy to produce and can reseed themselves , assure year after year of attraction for cardinals .

Cleome ( Cleome hassleriana )

Also known as spider bloom , cleome ’s unique coming into court includes long , spidery stamen . They draw in cardinals with their semen , and their height furnish rest opportunities .

Larkspur ( Consolida ajacis )

Larkspur ’s tall spire of blue , pink , or livid flowers are not only ornamental but also produce semen that cardinals fee on . These plant are annuals that ego - seed , offering a annual return of both beauty and bird food .

Phlox ( Phlox paniculata )

Phlox plant , specially the tall garden varieties , bloom with clump of colored heyday . Once these flowers blow over , they produce come that are a attractive feature for Richmondena Cardinalis , peculiarly through late summer into fall .

Bee Balm ( Monarda didyma )

Bee Balm ’s vivacious flowers in dark glasses of ruby , pink , and imperial not only pull bee but also cardinal number once the seeds mature . Its longsighted blooming period mean it can provide nutrient for much of the growing time of year .

Verbena ( Verbena spp . )

Verbena offers clusters of tiny blossom that finally turn into seeds . It blooms for an prolonged geological period , supporting a variety of pollinator and offer food for cardinals when the blossom go to cum .

Heliopsis ( Heliopsis helianthoides )

Often visit false sunflower , oxeye produces cheery yellow bloom similar to helianthus but with fewer seed . However , these seeded player are still a draw for redbird , and the plant ’s farsighted blooming time of year is a bonus .

Joe - Pye Weed ( Eutrochium purpureum )

This aboriginal plant with its large , mauve - pink flower clusters not only attracts butterflies but also produces come that cardinal number find appealing . Its late summer to descend blooming make it a valuable late - season solid food source .

Asters ( Symphyotrichum spp . )

aster bloom belatedly in the time of year , pop the question a burst of colour and a reservoir of seeds for cardinals . With varieties in pinks , purple , and Elwyn Brooks White , aster can allow both an esthetic and operational benefit to your garden .