Alba Lobelia is a pure white cultivar of the native North American Lobelia siphilitica, a striking summer bloomer that reaches 30 inches tall and thrives in zones 4-4. This variety produces elegant spikes of white flowers from June through August, attracting pollinators while remaining completely deer-resistant. Growing 18 inches wide with moderate water needs and full sun exposure, Alba Lobelia brings an ethereal brightness to garden beds and borders.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-4
30in H x 18in W
—
High
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The pristine white flower spikes of Alba Lobelia create a luminous presence in summer gardens, standing tall and commanding attention without the intensity of deeper colors. Unlike many lobelias that demand constant moisture, this cultivar tolerates moderate watering once established, making it more forgiving for gardeners who aren't fanatical about daily irrigation. The flowers are powerfully attractive to pollinators, and the plant's natural deer resistance means it persists in wildlife-rich gardens where more delicate bloomers fall prey.
Alba Lobelia is grown as an ornamental flower for summer garden displays, particularly valued in borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-focused plantings where its white spikes provide striking vertical interest and attract bees and other beneficial insects throughout the warm months.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors in late winter by surface-sowing and pressing them gently into the soil. Cover with a humidity dome or light sprinkling of vermiculite to maintain moisture until germination occurs at 70°F, which typically takes 14-30 days after a chill period. For enhanced germination, provide a cold, moist stratification period by sowing seeds in pots, covering with plastic, and refrigerating at 36-40°F for 3-4 weeks before moving the pots into 70°F warmth.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date for your zone, ensuring soil has warmed and hardening off plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
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