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Vedrariensis
× gerardii hybrid; herbaceous perennial
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: × gerardii hybrid; herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 24-48 in (60-120 cm) × 12-36 in (30-90 cm)
- Bloom window: July to September
- Color & flower form: Deep violet‑purple tubular flowers on tall racemes
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 5-9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon, France; year unknown
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Flower color shifts to violet‑purple instead of the blue of Great Blue Lobelia.
- Often taller with longer racemes in rich soil.
- Tolerates typical border soils better than the species.
- Blooms from mid to late summer, overlapping but not identical to the species’ timing.
Strengths
- Bold vertical spikes for summer borders.
- Handles average garden moisture if soils do not dry out.
- Reliable cold hardiness through zone 5.
Care in one minute
Site and light: full sun to part shade.
Soil and pH: fertile, evenly moist soil; tolerates clay if drainage is steady.
Watering: irrigate during dry spells; avoid drought.
Feeding: add compost in spring; avoid heavy nitrogen.
Grooming: cut down spent spikes in fall; divide in spring to renew vigor.
Overwintering: apply a light, dry mulch in colder zones to protect crowns.
Watch‑outs
- Short‑lived in poorly drained winter soils; use a dry winter mulch.
- Slugs may scar young foliage.
- Requires steady moisture for best display.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
A selection of Lobelia × gerardii, a hybrid between Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica developed in Lyon, France.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Lobelia × gerardii ‘Vedrariensis’
- Royal Horticultural Society – Lobelia × speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’
- NC State Extension – Lobelia (toxicity and culture)
