Great Blue Lobelia is a dependable and beautiful perennial that brings cool, serene shades of blue to the late summer garden. Growing two to three feet tall, it produces dense spikes of tubular, two-lipped flowers that are a favorite of bumblebees, who are strong enough to push past the petals to reach the nectar. This species is highly adaptable, flourishing in full sun to partial shade and preferring moist to wet soils, though it can tolerate average garden moisture better than its red cousin, the Cardinal Flower. It is an excellent choice for rain gardens, woodland edges, or any spot that stays relatively damp. While it is a short-lived perennial, it readily self-seeds in favorable conditions, creating a charming and reliable display year after year. Its vibrant blue spikes provide a lovely contrast to the many yellow composites of the late-season prairie and are native across much of the central and eastern United States.

Quick facts

• Height: 2–3 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Wet to Medium
• Bloom time: Jul–Oct (Blue)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Short-lived
• Native range: Native to 38 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Great Blue Lobelia