It is an erect, typically unbranched plant that tops off at a height of 4' under ideal conditions. Lobelia siphilitica, commonly called great lobelia or blue cardinal flower, is a Missouri native perennial which typically grows in moist to wet locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps, meadows and in low wooded areas. It will grow 2-3′ tall in optimum conditions producing several stalks or spikes of dark blue/violet flowers. Naturalizes easily in moist soils but tolerates periods of drought. While the flowers are usually blue, in … Attributes . Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a great option for planting near ponds, along lakeshores or rain gardens. As I hike toward the car, I pinch off a leaf of mountain mint; hot and cool and refreshing—all at the same time. It too, likes evenly moist loamy soil, but it is not as tolerant of deeper water for extended periods of time. Now is the time to go and see. It should be considered poisonous. All plants are now 20% off! First, let’s consider the great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica). This beautiful plant gives away to brilliant true blue flowers. Other names include Lobelia syphilitica, Blue Cardinal Flower, Great Lobelia, High Belia. Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting on the surface of the soil since these seeds need light to germinate. 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. "(Newcomb's Wildflower Guide," by Lawrence Newcomb, and "Wildflowers of Ohio" by Stan Tekiela). Watching the bumble bees pry open the flowers was entertaining. Great blue lobelia. We are open for business, but due to the COVID-19 concerns, we are limiting interaction with customers and practicing social distancing. The tubular flowers develop from the leaf axils of the upper third of the stems, creating a dense blue spike. The Great Blue Lobelia, scientific name Lobelia siphilitica, is a flowering plant of the Campanulaceae family, or the Bellflower family, native to the eastern and central regions of the US and Canada. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Butterflies; Hummingbirds; Attributes. Characteristics & Attributes for Lobelia siphilitica . Lobelia siphilitica L. – great blue lobelia Subordinate Taxa. MN Native /Lobelia Blue Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica The blue Minnesota Native version of cardinal flower, it sports a profusion of sky blue tubular flowers larger than its red cousin, with darker green elongated leaves. So, it is erect in its footprint, and doesn’t branch out. Light aids germination of seeds. Great Blue Lobelia features purple-blue, tubular flowers, which bloom July-September in whorled clusters atop tall, erect stems. It produces a spike of … Anthers united into a tube around the style, the anther sacs appendaged at the base and summit. Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica Campanulaceae. Neutral: On Jan 17, 2005, JodyC from Palmyra, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: The flowers attract bumblebees primarily. The Native Americans of this region used Lobelia as an analgesic and as a treatment for many other common ailments. Great Blue Lobelia with Cardinal Flower. Great Blue Lobelia (also called Blue Cardinal Flower) is a tough, hardy perennial with large leaves and gorgeous, light blue blooms. Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia. Category: Perennials. The architecture of this flower insures that only burly bumble bees can gain access to the pollen and nectar. The Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a species within the Campanulaceae family. Certified Organic by Pro-Cert. Unit price / per . Lobelia ×speciosa are popular garden hybrids (usually of L. cardinalis and L. siphilitica) with flowers in shades of blue, lavender, pink or red and a long summer bloom period. 1 more photos VIEW GALLERY. Lobelia siphilitica. View gallery. However, not all populations have been documented, so some gaps in the distribution shown above may not be real. Our 2020 fall sale has begun! Click below on a thumbnail map or name for subspecies profiles. This species has the ability to produce spikes of vibrant blue flowers that sit beautifully on top of lance-shaped, lightly toothed foliage. It will also do fine in regular garden soil and part shade. Its native habitat includes swamps and moist, low areas. The large leaves of great blue lobelia are alternate, lanceolate, serrate and sessile. They have been thriving in their pots all year, reaching heights of 4-5′, and blooming profusely. Blooms in August - September in my garden. It can spread and re-seed quite exuberantly when it's happy. It prefers part-shade, but will tolerate full sun in cooler climates. A very pretty, easy to grow plant. If left untouched, great blue lobelia will grow unbranched and reach up to 3 or 4 feet in height. It can grow up to 4 feet tall, sending up tall spikes of lovely blue flowers. Quantity. Prefers moist soil Height: 24-36 in Width: 12-18 in Soil Conditions: Moist Flower Color: Blue Bloom Time: July,August,September Hardiness Zone: 4 TO 9 + Add to My Wish List. Also known as the great lobelia or the great blue lobelia, the Lobelia siphilitica is a North American native upright and popular perennial. ***** In its native range, Great Blue Lobelia can be found in wet prairies, soggy meadows, pond and creek edges, marshland borders, and other moist areas. My mouth tingles. The blooms are quite showy, and are mainly pollinated by bees. The leaves are alternate with a toothed margin. It is an herbaceous, perennial dicot native to eastern and central Canada and United States. The great blue lobelia iLobelia syphil- ilica,) After Bntton and Brown, 111. Blue flowers first mature in mid-summer and continue into early fall. However, if deer manage to browse them back, the flowers will be borne on shorter, branched racemes. Great blue lobelia is not an edible plant. Compact and popular, Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia) is a tender perennial, usually grown as an annual, boasting masses of brightly colored flowers adorned with white or yellow throats from spring to the first frosts. Great blue lobelia (L. siphilitica), also called blue cardinal flower, is another native perennial wildflower that bears long-lasting bright blue flowers. It produces a spike of zygomorphic flowers in the late summer. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/lobelia-siphilitica-great-blue-lobelia August is drawing to a close. This North American native is a terrific bee plant for an area that receives regular moisture (even flooding) and part shade. Lobelia siphilitica offers a deep-hued counterpoint to the yellows of late summer. Lobelia, Great Blue Lobelia 'Alba' Lobelia siphilitica. Great Blue Lobelia is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 3 to 4 feet tall. $3.50 $3.50. Attracts Wildlife. FI. North- east. 3 members have or want this plant for trade. Ingestion of the root can cause vomiting. Lobelia siphilitica L. - great blue lobelia LOSI in the state of Minnesota. I’ve found this plant in partially shaded meadows along the They make a nice combinations, I think. Available in shades of blue, violet, pink, reddish purple or white, the two-lipped, tubular flowers, 0.5 in. The leaves are alternate, and elliptical with serrated margins. The prairie is waiting. The Great Blue Lobelia in our shady Back Garden seem to positively love this treatment. The Plants Database includes the following 2 subspecies of Lobelia siphilitica . The flowers are larger than other Lobelias and have stripes on the tube portion. This native wildflower is a favorite with hummingbirds and other pollinators. Lobelia - Great Blue. I chew it for a bit, then spit it out. Growing up to three feet tall, it lives in zones 4 to 9 in moist to wet soils. Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) or Blue Cardinal Flower, Lobelia siphilitica, typically grows in moist to wet locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps, meadows and in low wooded areas. The dainty blue flowers are a lovely end of season addition to the garden. Plants filled in well in second year of growth, and bloomed throughout August into early September. Lobelia siphilitica is commonly called Great Blue Lobelia as it has larger flowers than most other blue flowered Lobelia spp. Lobelia siphilitica - Great Blue Lobelia, Blue Cardinal Flower. U. S. panded into a flat strap-shaped or Ugulate portion known as a ray; the rays make up the conspicuous por- tion of the flower, and are what seem to be petals. long (1 cm), feature large fan-shaped lower lips. Blue flowering spikes. Medium to wet soils. Bright green foliage. Lobelia siphilitica, Great Blue Lobelia, is available at Toadshade Wildflower Farm, a mail order nursery in Frenchtown, NJ, that specializes in native perennial wildflower plants and seeds. The Great Blue Lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica, is a perennial flower native to most of North America. Why wait? Growing up to three feet tall, it lives in zones 4 to 9 in moist to wet soils. This plant’s nectar is a food source for bees and hummingbirds; it has special value for native bees and bumblebees. Native Introduced Native and Introduced. Family: Campanulaceae (kam-pan-yew-LAY-see-ee) Genus: Lobelia (low-BEE-lee-a) Species: siphilitica (sigh-fy-LY-tih-kuh) Cultivar: Alba: One vendor has this plant for sale. This colony-forming perennial grows well in medium to wet soils, especially with a little shade. Add to Cart. Height: 1-4 ft Spread: 12-18 in Spacing: 18-24 in USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Bloom Color: Blue, Violet Lobelia siphilitica Characteristics. Great Blue Lobelia Seeds. Lobelia siphilitica 5.00 (1 reviews) HOW TO GROW; FAST FACTS; REVIEWS; HOW TO GROW. Growing Instructions . Blue-to-purple flowers bloom in spikes up to 3 ft tall. Blooms appear late in the season and provide important nectar to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some other insects “cheat” and chew holes in the flower to by-pass the petal-gate, but bumble bees are their primary visitors. Click the map above to view a larger image. An easy to grow native that will thrive in a partly sunny, moist spot in your garden, this Lobelia will spread and multiply when given the chance. Our county data are based primarily on the literature, herbarium specimens, and confirmed observations. The species epithet is because at one time it was believed the plant was used by native Americans to treat syphilis. This species was the tenth most attractive to natural enemies in the late season, with three times as many natural enemies as the grass control. The plants grow 1-3' high, preferring wet woodland edges, moist thickets, and swamps. It prefers cool, moist conditions and does not tolerate drought at all. I love the tall racemes of violet-blue flowers. The leaves of Great Blue Lobelia are lance-like and pointed and can be 2-6" long, growing alternate along the stem. Great Blue Lobelia and Caladiums: another angle, They are sharing the containers mainly with Caladiums. The Latin species name indicates that it was once thought that Great Lobelia was a cure for syphilis. Reblooming ; Naturalizing; Rain Garden; Cut Flower; Bog; Exposure. It is a herbaceous, perennial dicot native to eastern and central Canada and United States. Cold, moist stratification required. 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