From our perspective, Lobelia erinus is the quintessential choice for containers, having been cultivated for generations to spill over edges with a profusion of small, intense blue, purple, white, or magenta flowers. We are a tender perennial, though most gardeners treat us as an annual. Our growth habit is naturally cascading, making us ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, or the rims of tall pots where our delicate stems, adorned with narrow green or sometimes bronze-tinged leaves, can create a beautiful waterfall of color. We thrive in cooler conditions and prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil. For the best display, position us where we can receive bright, indirect light or some morning sun, as intense afternoon heat can cause our blooming to pause.
We, the Cardinal Flower, offer a strikingly different architectural form for the indoor container gardener. Unlike our trailing cousin, we are an upright, clump-forming perennial known for our brilliant scarlet-red flower spikes that can reach impressive heights. While we are naturally a bog plant, we can adapt to life in a large, deep container that never dries out. Our soil must be consistently and evenly moist, rich in organic matter. We require a bright location with plenty of light to fuel our growth and produce our iconic blooms, which are highly attractive to pollinators. Please note that all parts of our plant are toxic if ingested, so we are best placed in homes without curious pets or small children.
As Lobelia siphilitica, we provide a stunning vertical accent in shades of violet-blue to sky blue, complementing the red of our cardinalis relatives. We are a hardy perennial with a similar upright growth habit, forming sturdy clumps of lance-shaped green leaves. For container life, we require a large pot to accommodate our root system and to provide stability for our flower spikes, which can grow quite tall. Our moisture needs are non-negotiable; we insist on permanently damp soil to truly thrive. We perform best in partial shade to full sun, provided our thirst is quenched. Our late summer to early autumn blooms offer a valuable source of nectar and a bold structural element to indoor gardening displays.
Selective breeding has given rise to us, the specialized hybrid series, designed to excel in container environments. The 'Cascade' or 'Fountain' series, for example, are improved forms of Lobelia erinus, bred for greater heat tolerance and a more vigorous, disease-resistant trailing habit. Another notable group is the 'Laguna' series, which boasts improved performance in warmer weather and comes in a wide range of vibrant colors. These hybrids represent our collective effort to be more adaptable and resilient for gardeners, often flowering more prolifically and for a longer season than our species ancestors when provided with adequate moisture, good drainage, and regular deadheading to encourage new buds.
