Lobelia x speciosa
Family: Campanulaceae
Synonym: Lobelia x gerardii
Native to: Garden Origin
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: erect, rosette
Max height: 5 feet
Max width: 1 foot
Flower
magenta/purple
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, hummingbird, specific butterfly species
Plant part consumed by birds: nectar
Exposure: part shade, sun
Propagates by: seed
flowers in summer
Soil type: loam
USDA Zones: zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f
Temp. range: +10 to +30 °F
Water: moist, regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
Of the 436 species of Lobelia, many are cultivated. Lobelia is a member of the Campanulaceae family that flower spring, summer, or fall. They grow in Zones 3-10 to 1-2 feet tall; Lobelia tupa can get to 6 ½ feet in height. They do best with regular watering. Both birds and butterflies come to this plant for nectar.
Lobelia attracts Danaus plexippus, MONARCH, Papilio rutulus, WESTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL, and Vanessa cardui, PAINTED LADY.
Lobelia cardinalis attracts Phoebis sennae, CLOUDLESS SULPHUR.
