Lobelia is sometimes referred to as Cardinal Flower is a native perennial to the US. This variety has deep violet blue flowers which are produced on incredibly upright flower spikes. This Lobelia is an earlier flowering variety that has a large amount of flower power. It is absolutely gorgeous in summer beds and borders - loves lots of heat but moist soil (could actually be a bog plant). Attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. 

This native is host plant to the Red-Banded Leafroller Moth, Jack Pine Tube Moth (Argyrotaenia velutinana), Dark-Spotted Palthis Moth (Palthis angulalis), and Pink-Washed Looper Moth (Enigmogramma basigera).

They grow best in moist, rich soils in full sun to partial shade. Parent plants will not persist for more than a few years, but it is a prolific self-seeder and fast grower. Best grown in zones 6-10.

The flowering spikes open from the bottom to the top and bloom for several weeks. Cardinal flower typically reaches a mature height of 2 to 4 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet. Each flower has three spreading lower petals and two upper petals, all united into a tube at the base. Erect leafy stems, often in clusters, with racemes of flowers resembling flaming blue spires. The lower portion of the erect stem is lined with lance-shaped leaves.

Lobelias produce a secondary compound known as "lobeline," which deters herbivores. Considered highly toxic to pets, it contains toxic alkaloids, specifically lobeline, which cause symptoms like severe vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, and heart rhythm disturbances. All parts of the plant are poisonous, particularly if ingested.