Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' (Great Blue Lobelia) — perennial

Overview

Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' is a perennial in the genus Lobelia, part of the Campanulaceae family. Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens, naturalized areas and near water features. It is native to Ontario.

About

Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' is a perennial in the Campanulaceae that flowers from June to September. It originates from Ontario and favours moist, rich soils. Plant in a position that receives full sun or partial shade. It suits borders, wildflower areas and sites beside ponds or streams.

About the genus

Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae comprising 444 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lobelia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia

In the garden

Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' is a perennial from Ontario within the Campanulaceae and produces its flowering display between June and September. As a garden perennial it is best treated as a summer-flowering spike-former that performs where soil conditions remain consistently damp and nutrient-rich. Sit this Lobelia where it will receive full sun or partial shade and where the soil is moist, rich and well drained; it prefers acidic to neutral conditions. Avoid dry, infertile ground – the plant benefits from soils that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Regular moisture through the growing season maintains vigour and supports extended flowering. Use 'Blue Peter' in damp borders, naturalised wildflower schemes, or adjacent to ponds and streams where its upright habit provides vertical emphasis. It also integrates well into mixed perennial edges alongside other moisture-tolerant plants and taller grasses. Flowering from June to September gives a clear summer run of interest in damp garden areas and beside water features.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lobelia

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: moist, rich, well-drained
Soil pH: acidic to neutral
Soil moisture: moist

Plant details

Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, near water features
Native to: Ontario

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, rich soils and can tolerate partial shade; keep soil consistently moist.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to tidy the plant.
Propagation: Seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'?

Prefers moist, rich soils and can tolerate partial shade; keep soil consistently moist.

Where is the best place to plant Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'?

Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' need?

Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to tidy the plant.

How do I propagate Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'?

Seed, division.

More in the Lobelia genus

Browse all Lobelia →