When does Lobelia spicata bloom?

Lobelia spicata blooms from July through September, producing tall spikes of small blue to violet flowers.

What pollinators visit Lobelia spicata?

Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Lobelia spicata, attracted to its nectar-rich tubular flowers.

Where is Lobelia spicata native?

Lobelia spicata is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Montana and south to Texas and Georgia.

What growing conditions does Lobelia spicata prefer?

This adaptable native plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.

Is Balespike Lobelia HOA-friendly?

Balespike Lobelia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Balespike Lobelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lobelia spicata

Last reviewed: July 2026

Lobelia spicata is a native North American wildflower that produces spikes of small blue flowers from July through September. This adaptable perennial thrives across most of the eastern and central United States in various light and moisture conditions.

Balespike Lobelia (Lobelia spicata) — Photo: Barnes Dr Thomas G, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains South Central Plains

Palespike lobelia is a native perennial wildflower that produces tall spikes of small pale blue to white flowers from summer into fall. This slender plant forms neat clumps and works well in mixed borders or naturalized areas where it provides vertical interest without taking up much space.

Growing Balespike Lobelia

Grow Balespike Lobelia in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Balespike Lobelia is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

May look sparse or weedy as individual specimens
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. This native lobelia is particularly valued by native bee species and serves as a nectar source during late summer when many other flowers have finished.

Common questions

When does Lobelia spicata bloom?: Lobelia spicata blooms from July through September, producing tall spikes of small blue to violet flowers.
What pollinators visit Lobelia spicata?: Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Lobelia spicata, attracted to its nectar-rich tubular flowers.
Where is Lobelia spicata native?: Lobelia spicata is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Montana and south to Texas and Georgia.
What growing conditions does Lobelia spicata prefer?: This adaptable native plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.
Is Balespike Lobelia HOA-friendly?: Balespike Lobelia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Balespike Lobelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz