Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica) [lo-BEE-lee-ah sif-il-IT-ih-kah]

Other Names Great Blue Lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica (NGN), Lobelia siphilitica 1 Gal., Lobelia siphilitica 70 Plugs, N, Lobelia siphilitica, N, Lobelia siphilitica-04 Pot
Family Campanulaceae
Teaser Blue Cardinal Flower enchants with its striking blue blooms, creating a stunning contrast in any garden. This perennial thrives in wet areas, attracting pollinators while adding a touch of elegance to your landscape.
Description

Great Blue Lobelia, a herbaceous perennial, is usually unbranched but may exhibit some branching. The erect, 3-4 ft., stems produce lavender-blue, tubular flowers crowded together on the upper stem. Showy, bright blue flowers are in the axils of leafy bracts and form an elongated cluster on a leafy stem. Each flower is split into two lips - the upper lip has two segments and the lower lip has three. Blue flowers first mature in mid-summer and continue into early fall. The flowers are larger than other Lobelias and have stripes on the tube portion.

This plant provides late summer bloom to the perennial border, wild garden, native plant garden, woodland garden, or naturalized planting. It is also effective near ponds or streams.

 
Named Cultivars Lobelia siphilitica 'Blue Selection', Lobelia siphilitica 'Giant Blue', Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles'
Plant Data
I am a... Deciduous Perennial Mounded
Where to Find It Great lobelia is a Midwest native perennial which typically grows in moist to wet locations along streams, swamps, meadows and in low wooded areas -- much like Crow Island Woods. In late summer, it's easy to find along the woodland paths.
Why to Like Hummbirds (and humans) enjoy the pretty blue flowers in late summer.
Mature Size 24 - 36 inches tall. 12 - 18 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium - Wet: Plants tolerate sunny sites if sufficient moisture is present.
Zones 4a - 9b
Tags Accent, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Border, Butterfly Garden, Clay Soil, Colorful Foliage, Container, Cottage Garden, Cut Flower, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Eclectic Garden, Edging, Formal Garden, Fragrant Flowers, Hummingbird Garden, Illinois Native, Low Maintenance, Moist Soil, Most Popular, Native to North America, Naturalizing, Normal Soil, Perennial, Pond, Popular For Fall, Rabbit Resistant, Rain Garden, Rock Garden, Sandy Soil, Showy Flowers, Thornless, Well-Drained Soil, Wet Site Tolerant
Bloom Period July to October
Flower Color Blue
Animals That Use It

Flowers:

Nectar:
 
Data Sheets
   In the Landscape Focused on the Plant Leaves Flowers Fruit Fall Leaf Winter Form
 
 

More Photos: Google Image Search & Flickr

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