Home Sitemap Site Index Contact About Us
|
|
Home Sitemap Site Index Contact About Us |
Lobelia siphilitica Family - Campanulaceae - Bluebell - Great Blue Lobelia, or Big Blue Lobelia, displays its intense blue flowering spikes from late August until mid to late September. The species name, siphilitica, refers to it’s supposed curative powers for syphilis, which have been disproved. The root of the plant contains alkaloids which will cause extreme vomiting in the person who ingests it. Growing from two to three feet tall, Great Lobelia can be found in moist soils in and near forested tracts from New England and southern Canada to the southern states of Texas, Alabama and North Carolina. It can also be found in meadows and swampland. Lobelia siphilitica is the largest blue lobelia in the Campanulaceae family. It is suitable for the perennial or wildflower garden, but it is fairly short lived, needing to be divided and moved every other year to keep it vigorous. It will be hardy in USDA Zones 4 - 8 and prefers partial shade and rich, moist soils. Propagation of Blue Lobelia is from spring divisions or mid summer stem cuttings, placed in a propagation chamber. It may also reseed itself under proper conditions. This fall blooming wildflower would be an excellent addition to the wildflower or perennial garden, provided moist soil and light to full shade can be provided. It stays fairly compact and is well behaved in the garden and can easily be propagated from divisions or summer cuttings. |
