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Lobelia siphilitica

Great blue lobelia

The spikes of brilliant true blue flowers on this wetland native attract butterflies, hummingbirds and neighbors to your garden! Lobelia siphilitica provides outstanding color for the border, wet meadow or pond edge. Naturalizes easily in moist soils, but tolerates periods of drought.


Height

2-3 Feet

Spread

12-18 Inches

Bloom Color

Blue

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Interesting Notes

Great Lobelia, the blue counterpart of the Cardinal Flower, can be found in open, moist places and blooms at the same time as Cardinal Flower. The Latin species name indicates that it was once thought that Great Lobelia was a cure for syphilis. The Native Americans of this region used Lobelia as an analgesic and as a treatment for many other common ailments. Wildflowers of Scott County

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Lobelia prefers moist, organically rich soil in shady to sunny areas. Tolerates drier locations than L. cardinalis, but insists on some afternoon shade in warmer zones. May self seed if happy.

Characteristics & Attributes

Growth Rate
Medium
Nature Attraction
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Exposure
Sun
Part Sun
Sun with Moist Soil
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Late Summer
Attributes
Meadow
Wetlands
Border
Pond Edge
Native to US
Moist Shade
Wildflower Garden
Cut Flower
Stream Edge
Moist Sun
Open Pollinated
Native to Northeast
Soil Moisture Needs
Moist
Wet