Summary
Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) heralds the end of summer with its showy, blue flowers, borne on 1-3’ tall stems. This native perennial is a must for the naturalized garden. Great blue lobelia flourishes in moist soil with filtered shade but will adapt to drier conditions with more shade, and tolerates acidic to neutral conditions. This herbaceous plant is easy to grow from seed and frequently self-sows. Lanceolate serrated leaves alternate along the stem, culminating into tiny bracts amidst the bell-shaped blooms. Grow great blue lobelia with blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia), turtlehead (Chelone glabra), and hollow-stem Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum), as they enjoy the same cultural conditions and will provide varying heights in the perennial border. Zones 4-9.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-wet - Flowering Period
late-summer-to-early-fall - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
blue, purple - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
green, tan
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, USDA Plants, Missouri Botanical Garden , Illinois Wildflowers