Lobelia siphilitica offers a deep-hued counterpoint to the yellows of late summer. This colony-forming, perennial grows well in medium to wet soils, especially with a little shade. In its native range, Great Blue Lobelia can be found in wet prairies, soggy meadows, pond and creek edges, marshland borders, and other moist areas.
Great Blue Lobelia grows large, richly-flowered spikes. The deep blue-violet flowers on these spikes attract many bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Lobelias produce a secondary compound known as "lobeline," which deters herbivores.