Lobelia siphilitica.
Great Blue Lobelia is a perennial wildflower native to the central and eastern United States where it can often be fond growing in wet prairies and soggy meadows, as well as alongside ponds, creeks, and marshlands.
Plant grows to around 3 feet in height and produces tall spikes of tightly bunched, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from July through October and attract numerous species of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Excellent for planting in medium to wet soils. Typically blooms in the first year.
Great Blue Lobelia
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 12 to 18 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: July through October Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by planting on the soil's surface, as the seeds require light to grow. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in refrigerator for 60 days before planting.
To start indoors, sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Provide light and keep soil moist until germination. Transplant once the danger of frost has passed.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.