Lobelia gerardii 'Vedrariensis'

Common Name: Cardinal Flower, Hybrid Purple Lobelia

Green leaves with a subtle red tinge provide an excellent backdrop for the plentiful crop of deep violet blooms from late summer thru fall. The long stems are very strong and seldom need staking.

This selection is a relatively long-lived hybrid and is an excellent border plant for moist locations. The well-branched plants fill out a 1 gallon container nicely. It is a hummingbird magnet, but also attracts butterflies and swallowtails. This species is the result of a cross between either L. cardinalis or L. specisoa and L. siphitica.

Height:

3.0-5.0 Feet

Spread:

1.0-3.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Attracts Songbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Rain Garden Water Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Bog Plant Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

The perfect plant for damp locations such as near ponds or low-lying areas, Lobelia will easily adapt to 'wet feet' but can also tolerate well-drained soils. If enough moisture is available, it will thrive in the sun. In drier soils, it should be planted in part shade. Deadheading spent blooms will improve the overall appearance of the plant and may promote reblooming. It's a good idea to cut this plant back in the spring instead of the fall, since the foliage will help protect the root zone in the winter. Mulch is also recommended.

Characteristics