Lobelia for Water Gardens
Lobelia are a lot more than the trailing edge plant associated with Alyssum.
Some members of the Lobelia family love water and are happy to be submerged in your pond or pool others like to be planted in moist margins. These Lobelia are the hardy perennial and half hard perennials described below rather than the blue and white annuals we grow as children.
Lobelia Senssilifolia
Flowers in glorious blue to purple and has elegant lance shaped leaves growing to 2 feet tall and making a tight clump. Plant in soil and in up to 2 inches of water and propagate by division. It should not need special winter protection.
Lobelia cardinalis and ‘Dark Crusader’
The cardinal flower has striking dark red foliage made even more spectacular by a profusion of scarlet flowers in August. The 3 feet high plants may need staking and in winter they should be moved to drier conditions so it is best to plant in a deep planting basket. The plants like moist soil and semi-shade when growing . They work well with Hostas for contrast in shape and colour.
Lobelia Queen Victoria …