great blue lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and woodland gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Lavender-blue tubular flowers crowd the upper stems in late summer and draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Keep the soil moist, since it does not tolerate drought.
Pairs well with Spotted joe-pye weed, Cinnamon fern, and Switchgrass.
Native range
Eastern North America.