Lobelia, Great Blue
Lobelia siphilitica
Family: Lobeliaceae
Herbaceous perennial. In the moist pastures, woodlands and shaded,
rarely traveled roadsides of Kentucky and Ohio, this extraordinary plant
stands sturdily and produces multiple, densely flowered stalks of electric
blue. In the garden, it rivals in its beauty the most pampered of
hybrids, yet it is a long-lived native American perennial. Among
the Fox tribe, the finely chopped roots were shared and eaten by a couple
to avert divorce and renew love. Among the Iroquois, an infusion
of the smashed plants was taken for anti-bewitchment. Medicinally,
Lobelia
inflata is preferred, although this species does contain lobelin. Cultivation:
Same as for Lobelia inflata, extra care. Short-lived seed.
Light-dependent germinator. Sow seed in spring or fall.
Mixing seed with about a teaspoon of dry sand prior to sowing is recommended.
This will assist in keeping the seedlings separate from each other.
Average germ time in warm soils is 1 to 3 weeks. Water very gently
or you will upset the tiny seedlings as they emerge! Lobelias prefer
part to full sun, rich, moist soil, much water.
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