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Audubon Native Great Blue Lobelia and native birds
Native Great Blue Lobelia
Audubon Native Great Blue Lobelia perennial product shot
Up-close photo of the flower from the Audubon Native Great Blue Lobelia perennial
Native Regions for Great Blue Lobelia
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Audubon Native Great Blue Lobelia and native birds
Native Great Blue Lobelia
Audubon Native Great Blue Lobelia perennial product shot
Up-close photo of the flower from the Audubon Native Great Blue Lobelia perennial
Native Regions for Great Blue Lobelia
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Ruby Throated Hummingbird

LONG-LASTING, BLUEISH-PURPLE FLOWERS SHINE IN THE LATE SUMMER GARDEN

FEATURES:

  • Bright blue flower spikes appear in late summer and last through mid fall
  • The tall and sturdy flower spikes make this a great addition for floral arrangements
  • A pollinator favorite that will attract hummingbirds as well
  • Ideally planted along the woodland edge, in perennial or pollinator gardens or in cut flower gardens
  • May Benefit & Attract: Hummingbirds 
  • The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
  • This bird-friendly native plant provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
  • All Audubon® branded trees and plants are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
  • Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
  • Ships in a plant-safe designed box

Growth Facts

  • Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Mature Height: 3-4' tall
  • Mature Width: 1-2' wide
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Spacing: 1-2' apart

Audubon® Native Great Blue Lobelia

Bower & Branch Trees and Plants

Audubon® Plants for Birds: Lobelia siphilitica

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LONG-LASTING, BLUEISH-PURPLE FLOWERS SHINE IN THE LATE SUMMER GARDEN

FEATURES:

  • Bright blue flower spikes appear in late summer and last through mid fall
  • The tall and sturdy flower spikes make this a great addition for floral arrangements
  • A pollinator favorite that will attract hummingbirds as well
  • Ideally planted along the woodland edge, in perennial or pollinator gardens or in cut flower gardens
  • May Benefit & Attract: Hummingbirds 
  • The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
  • This bird-friendly native plant provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
  • All Audubon® branded trees and plants are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
  • Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
  • Ships in a plant-safe designed box

Growth Facts

  • Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Mature Height: 3-4' tall
  • Mature Width: 1-2' wide
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Spacing: 1-2' apart

Why plant Audubon® Native Great Blue Lobelia?

Most of our woodland wildflowers bloom in spring, taking advantage of the warmer temperatures and the sunlight shining through the bare branches of the trees. When summer comes, they go dormant and retreat underground. This means that shady native spaces are typically not very colorful when the weather gets hot. What a pleasure it is, then, to see Great Blue Lobelia blooming away in late summer! Its periwinkle-blue blossoms bring a feeling of freshness to the garden. They bring hummingbirds, too! The Ruby-throated wonders will be frequent visitors during this stellar Spirit’s long bloom time.

Great Blue Lobelia grows in wet but well-drained soil in open woods over much of the eastern U.S. It is most abundant in the Midwest, but its range extends west to Colorado, south to Louisiana, and east to Massachusetts. This humble wildflower has been hailed as a supposed cure to many diseases over the years, the most famous being syphilis. In the 1700s, European settlers learned of the Iroquois using the plant to treat syphilis. Intrigued, they sent it to Europe for study, though scientists could find no proof of its effectiveness. Nevertheless, it was given a botanical name that would forever allude to the story. Among botanists, Great Blue Lobelia is known as Lobelia siphilitica.

How to use Audubon® Native Great Blue Lobelia in the landscape?

Besides Hummingbirds, Great Blue Lobelia also attracts bumblebees to pollinate its flowers. These and other long-tongued bees are able to reach into the deep flowers for the nectar. Butterflies enjoy the blossoms, too. Monarchs and Swallowtails are special fans.

Audubon® Native Plants & Trees

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

Audubon® is a licensed and registered trademark of the National Audubon Society. All rights reserved.

Planting Zones

Hardiness Zone: 4-9

How To Plant Audubon® Native Great Blue Lobelia

Steady moisture with good drainage is key with Great Blue Lobelia. It does not take kindly to drying out. Mulch well, preferably with compost or leaf mold, to keep the roots cool and moist. Protection from the hot afternoon sun is also important, especially in warm climates. In cool northern regions, full sun may be an option. Great Blue Lobelia is not a long-lived Spirit, but plants reseed when happy, so provide the right conditions, and the planting will endure indefinitely. Cut plants back any time after they have cast their seed and before new growth resumes in the spring.

How To Water

Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.

How To Fertilize

Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late year. Continue this for three years to get your plant well established.

How To Prune

Each fall, just before winter sets in clean up the previous years foliage and compost it. Be sure your perennials are mulched well for winter protection. Two inches of an organic mulch will do the job. Consider leaving the plant debris in place through the winter and doing your clean up on the weather warms in the spring. While it doesn't make things neat and tidy, the debris provides overwintering protection for insects, their eggs and pupae including our native Viceroy butterfly.

How Does Shipping Work?

Size Small (AAA), Medium (A2A), and Large (AA) plants (our Treelings, Shrubs, Bushes, and Perennials) will be shipped directly to your home by a common carrier. Ships in a plant-safe designed box within 5-7 business days.


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