Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica is a sight for sore eyes July to September. For me, this is a flower that is huge on charm, appearing to me as a relaxed face with mouth smiling in full, chortling laughter — the kind of laughter that’s contagious. Blue lobelia is native to Minnesota and in the Bellflower family, growing from one to four feet high. Petal color ranges from light blue to intense blue-violet, so captivating as to invite you to linger a while, sit down, have a drink, and join into the conversation! Never mind if someone sees you talking to the flowers; you are not alone!

Also known as the blue cardinal flower, the nectar filled tubes of lobelia siphilitica attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds all summer long — just one of many reasons to cultivate this attractive and valuable species into a moist area of your garden, and to protect it as well in its forest setting.