Species
Lobelia siphiliticaGreat Blue Lobelia1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles' is a perennial herbaceous plant with upright, slender stems bearing dense spikes of tubular, lilac-colored flowers. Its foliage is lance-shaped and lush green, providing a striking contrast to the floral display.
This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly vibrant lilac flower spikes that resemble candles, creating a visually appealing vertical accent in garden borders and naturalized settings.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during growing season
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Stake young plants for support if needed
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained, moist soil for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Over-fertilize which can cause leggy growth
- Ignore deadheading blooms
- Plant in full sun in very hot regions
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia questions
What zones can Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia grow in?
Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia deer resistant?
Yes — Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia bloom?
Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia need full sun?
Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Lobelia to compare
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Hybrid Cardinal Flower
Lobelia speciosa 'Compliment Violet'
Cardinal Flower 'Black Truffle'
Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Fan Cinnabar Rose Lobelia
Lobelia speciosa 'Fan Cinnabar Rose'
Perrys White Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis 'Perrys White'
Cardinal Flower Deep Rose
Lobelia cardinalis 'Deep Rose'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.