Lobelia siphilitica
(Blue Cardinal Flower)
Family - Campanulaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Eastern North America
Year of Introduction - 1665
Season of Interest - Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H6
Height - 60-90cm
Width - 30cm
Location - The Cool Garden
Description: Clump forming Perennial with oblong to lanceolate leaves. Long Racemes of tubular blue flowers are produced on upright stems from late summer into early autumn. Once believed to be of medicinal value for treating syphilis.
Flower:
Racemes of tubular, two-lipped flowers surrounded by green bracts are produced on upright stems from late summer into autumn.
Flower colour: Blue
Flower shape: Tubular flowers in racemes
Flowering time: August, September
Foliage:
Light green foliage is variable in shape from oblong to lanceolate or ovate. Leaf margins are irregularly toothed.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Oblong to lanceolate
Poison Information:
This plant is poisonous.
May cause irritation to skin and eyes.
Propagation:
Propagate by seed or division.
Cultivation:
Best grown in moisture retentive soil in sun to partial shade.