Lobelia siphilitica Clear Blue - seeds

Lobelia siphilitaca 'Clear Blue' is a form of syphilitic lobelia or giant lobelia selected for its light blue, fresh, and bright flowers. It is a charming, floriferous perennial that thrives in moist to wet soil, sought after by pollinators. Its upright stems bear tall flower spikes from summer to early autumn. This giant lobelia appreciates sunny, non-scorching exposures, as well as not too dense shade. It is a perfect plant for flowering a light and humid understory or the edges of a natural pond.

The 'Clear Blue' syphilitic lobelia is a tall, upright perennial native to North America. It has a fairly fast growth and can reach 60 to 90 cm in height with a spread of 30 cm per stem. It first forms a rosette of large leaves just above the ground, then leafy stems. Its leaves are green, lanceolate and alternate along the stem. Large at the base of the stem, the leaves become smaller as they approach the floral spike. Flowering extends from July-August to October in the form of flower spikes at the top of the stems. The flowers bloom progressively along the spikes. The light blue flowers of this 'Clear Blue' variety have a trumpet shape ending in two cut and outward-curving lips. This perennial tends to be short-lived but self-seeds without becoming invasive if the conditions suit it. Its above-ground, deciduous vegetation dries up in autumn and regrows in spring.

The 'Clear Blue' syphilitic lobelia is hardy (-20°C). Plant this wildflower in large groups of 10 to 20 plants to showcase it best. It thrives in heavy, ordinary, moist to wet soils and tolerates short periods of root submersion. It enjoys sunny exposures with moist soil, as well as shaded exposures in soil that remains simply moist in summer. It is ideal in water gardens, in pond-edge beds, and in understories. Pair it with tall phlox, its brilliant cousin Lobelia cardinalis, Goat's Beard, Rodgersias, and the royal fern.

Attention, seeds suitable for experienced gardeners accustomed to sowing very fine seeds. These seeds are as fine as dust, barely visible to the naked eye.