Lobelia siphilitica -Great Blue Lobelia

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Quick Facts

Type: Perennial
Native Range: Eastern and Central North America
Native Status in NY: Native
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Medium to Wet
Height: 2–3 ft
Bloom Time: July–September
Flower Color: Blue
Spacing: 12–18 inches
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Pollinator Value: High

Description

Great Blue Lobelia is a native perennial valued for its upright spikes of bright blue flowers in late summer. This species grows best in moist soils and is commonly found in meadows and woodland edges. The tubular flowers are especially attractive to bumblebees and other pollinators. Great Blue Lobelia is an excellent plant for rain gardens and habitat-focused plantings.

Ecological Benefits 🐝

Wildlife Value

  • Attracts native bees

  • Especially attractive to bumblebees

  • Provides nectar for pollinators

  • Supports beneficial insects

Known Associations

  • Bumblebees (primary pollinators)

  • Long-tongued native bees

  • Small native bees

(Unlike Cardinal Flower, this species is primarily bee-pollinated rather than hummingbird-pollinated.)

Garden Uses

  • Pollinator gardens

  • Native plant gardens

  • Rain gardens

  • Moist meadow plantings

  • Woodland edges

Why We Grow It

We grow Great Blue Lobelia because it is an excellent native perennial for moist soils and provides important late-season flowers for pollinators. It pairs well with Cardinal Flower and other moisture-loving native plants.