Species great blue cardinal flower
purple-blue, tubular flowers with hairy, green sepals, and stem

great blue cardinal flower

Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles'

The great blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles') is a stunning perennial with lacy, deep violet-blue flowers and airy foliage that make it perfect for the garden. The long-lasting blooms appear in late summer and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Its showy blossoms rise cloistering over branched and sturdy stems. This shade-loving and deer-resistant plant is easy to care for as long as it's provided with consistently moist soil. Additionally, deadheading the flowers will extend its bloom time.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Humus

Fruits:

blue,purple Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The great blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles') should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week depending on the weather and the condition of the soil. Make sure that the soil is evenly moist throughout but should not be soggy or waterlogged. It flourishes in full sun to part shade and requires additional watering in hot, dry conditions. During spring, summer, and fall, the plant should receive about an inch of water every week. In winter, water the plant less often, but ensure that the soil doesn’t become bone dry. As a general rule, it is important to water the plant deeply and less often instead of shallowly and more often.

sunlight

The great blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles') requires full sun to partial shade with 6-8 hours of direct sun during the day, preferably in the morning. Generally, morning sunlight will provide the most favorable growing conditions for this species. The intense heat of the afternoon can cause rapid drying out of the soil which could result in poor growth or even death. Artificial lighting can be used to supplement natural sunlight, however, it is important to adjust the strength of the artificial light to avoid burning the plant.

pruning

Great blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles') is a beautiful flower that should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and promote growth. The ideal time to prune this particular flower is in late winter or early spring, right before new growth begins. Pruning should focus on spent flower heads, wilted stems, and any additional dead wood. This will allow the new growth to come in strong and healthy. When pruning, you should use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to get a clean cut. To avoid damaging the stems, it’s best to try to cut near a joint. You can also remove any stems that appear to be diseased or damaged. It is important to prune only enough to maintain the desired shape and fullness of the flower, as over-pruning can harm the plant. In addition, great blue cardinal flower should not be pruned if it is in the midst of blooming. Overall, pruning great blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles') can help promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. It should be done in late winter or early spring, using sharp, clean scissors or pruner to get a clean cut. Be sure to prune only enough to maintain the desired shape and fullness, and to avoid pruning during blooming periods.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles' typically starts flowering in July.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles' is in July and August.

Hardiness Map