Lobelia siphilitica

Blue lobelia’s stately blooms are a classy destination for a bumble bee! The bees dive right into the center of each blue and white striped flower. It's fun to watch them at work - rummaging for nectar in spaces that seem much too dainty for them. Although bumble bees are the primary pollinators of blue lobelia, the plant attracts a variety of bees of varying sizes, as well as butterflies.

A plant of woodland borders, especially along rivers, blue lobelia is perfectly suited for partially shaded wet spots in the garden. The plant will also do well in full sun, as long as the soil isn’t too dry. A layer of leaf mulch can help to conserve soil moisture for this and other plants. Blue lobelia is a short-lived species and is not very competitive. In order to keep it coming back, allow for some bare soil next to the plant where it can deposit its seeds.

As a point of interest regarding local adaptation, some research suggests that naturally occurring blue lobelia populations have special relations with the soil fungi in their immediate area. The fungi help the plant roots absorb phosphorus, an important nutrient for growth and metabolism.

References: 1,2,3,4,5,6.

Photos by Julie Slater.