Lobelia Species, Blue Cardinal Flower, Great Blue Lobelia
Lobeliasiphilitica

Family: Campanulaceae (kam-pan-yew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus: Lobelia (low-BEE-lee-a)
Species: siphilitica (sigh-fy-LY-tih-kuh)

Synonym:Dortmanna siphilitica

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Where to Grow
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Dark Blue
Blue-Violet

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; sow indoors before last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored