Lobelia siphilitica

Scientific Name: Lobelia siphilitica

Common Name: Great Blue Lobelia

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Blooming Time: July to September

Bloom Duration: 6 to 8 weeks

Fragrance: No noticeable fragrance

Plant Growing Habit: Upright, clump-forming

Characteristics: A beautiful North American native perennial featuring tall spikes covered with vivid blue, two-lipped flowers above lush green foliage. The nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It thrives in moist locations and is an excellent choice for rain gardens, woodland edges, stream banks, native plant gardens and naturalized landscapes. Provides valuable late-season colour when many other plants have finished blooming.

Spacing: 30 to 45 cm apart

Height: 60 to 90 cm

Width: 30 to 45 cm

Maintenance Requirements: Moderate maintenance. Prefers moist to consistently moist, fertile soil and performs best in full sun with adequate moisture or partial shade. Water regularly during dry periods, especially when grown in sunnier locations. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a longer bloom period and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Cut back old stems in late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Minimal fertilization is required when grown in rich, organic soil. Hardy and well suited to Canadian gardens in Zones 3–8.

Images Courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company of Ball Seed or www.ballseed.com