Lobelia
Cardinal Flower
In the dog days of August, just when the border is not looking so lively, this genus of colorful, stately selections rejuvenates the garden with spectacular leafy flowering spires, attracting crowds of eager hummingbirds. Perfect in meadow plantings, these sturdy herbaceous perennials appreciate a well drained site, a light winter mulching, rich, moist soils and partial shade in warm climates, except for Lobelia tupa and Lobelia laxiflora, which like it hot and on the dry side.
Many gardeners say the 2-lipped deep purple flowers of this tall cultivar reign supreme among Lobelias, and we whole-heartedly agree! Long-blooming, velvet-rich, terminal racemes crest upright stalwart stalks lined in lanky, semievergreen lance-like green foliage that’s infused with violet hues and lush panache. A mighty-fine addition to moist mixed borders, cottage gardens and pond peripheries, clump-forming ′Hadspen Purple′ can be planted in bold swaths amidst Phlox paniculata ‘Gzhel’ and Nepeta ‘Hill Grounds’, where it promotes vibrantly hued accents plus bee and butterfly enticements. (PBR)
Blooms July–September
Size: 2-1/2' – 3' 0" high x 18" wide.
Zone 6b.
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