Blue Lobelia

Blue Lobelia has deep blue flowers in late summer and will bloom for 3 to 4 weeks. While they prefer to be moist, most of the time , they don't want to stand with their roots in water. These shade tolerant flowers will self sow. It is wise to divide the plant every 2 to 3 years which will invigorate the plant till the next division. They like humus rich well drained soil.

Come Fall when the plant gives into Winter it produces rosettes at the crown. These rosettes will stay green through the milder Winter areas.It is rare that I don't recommend mulching and this is one of those times. If mulched, where the temperatures rise above freezing and then go below a number of times, you will more than likely loose your plant to rot. In colder climates mulching is recommended. When the temperatures rise above freezing remove the mulch to avoid rot.

Propagate in the spring, removing the rosettes and discard the remains. Plant the new rosette in humus rich soil and your good to go for another couple of years. The Great Blue grows to 3 feet and a foot wide.

So, humus rich well drained soil is a must. Keep the plant moist but not wet, and divide every 2 to 3 years. Re member in milder climates do not mulch. In colder climates remove the mulch when the temperatures rise above freezing in order to preserve the rosettes.

I know it's not blue, but it is spectacular.

Lobelia - Royal Fushia - $11.95 The Lobelia 'Royal Fuschia', is a suberb new perennial Lobelia from Dan Heims. The fantastic fuchsia-colored flowers appear over the rosette of leaves from mid-summer into fall. This plant is solid and well branched. Excellent in the shade garden or containers, and a hummingbird favorite.