Lobelia

Lobelia × speciosa

Native to:
Canada, United States

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Campanulaceae
Genus:
Lobelia
Species:
Lobelia × speciosa
USDA Symbol:
LOSP2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
red, blue, purple, pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Hybrid species, habitat conditions may vary

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Maintain consistent moisture.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Notes: Light required for germination; do not cover seed.

Source: Claude AI