Lobelia cardinalis, or Cardinal Flower, is one of our most beautiful and popular native wildflowers because it is as striking in the garden border as it is in a woodland setting.  This scarlet perennial Lobelia withstands moist to dry soils, and its height will vary accordingly - growing anywhere from less than one foot to at least four feet.  Cardinal Flower is a reliable self-sower, and it's always surprising where more pop up each year.  I wouldn't dream of dead-heading this one.  Sun/part shade (some shade advisable).  Zones 3-7.  Quarts.

This member of the Lobelia family has attractive mahogany foliage and the beautiful scarlet blooms of Lobelia cardinalis.  Like the other Lobelias listed,
it prefers consistently moist soil and is perfect for a bog or water garden, or submerged in a pot of water.  Wherever you plant it, just be sure it doesn't dry out.  This stunning perennial plant grows to at least three feet high in full sun/partial shade/full shade in Zones 6-10.  Quarts.  (Photo taken in Belgium by Wouter Hagens and in the public domain, from Wiki Commons).  Quarts.

This beautiful azure native wildflower, one of the parents of Lobelia x gerardii, is one of those flowers that deserves a closer look, but then don't they all?  The next time you see this perennial Lobelia in the wild, or anywhere else for that matter, take a moment to examine the blooms closely.  They really don't get any better than this.  Great Blue Lobelia is a long bloomer, growing from two to three feet in sun or part shade (some shade advisable), and it is partial to moist conditions.  Zones 5-8.  Quarts.

Hopefully, in 2013 I will be able to have a photo more deserving of this beautiful white native Lobelia.  This native Lobelia grows with the same habits and form as Great Blue Lobelia, and it is a rebloomer if cut back.  Red, white, and blue Lobelia - what an idea for a Fourth of July garden.  Sun/partial shade and moisture.  Zones 5-8.  Quarts.

Lobelia x gerardii "Vedrariensis" is one of the most beautiful and satisfying plants that I grow, and that's the truth.  I have been more excited about this plant than anything else new I've grown lately, and it's a keeper if there ever was one.  The large blooms are deep, true purple on plants from two to three feet tall.  This exquisite perennial Lobelia prefers sun with some shade mixed in and thrives in moist soil.  In fact, I have even seen it planted in pots submerged in water.  Now that's a good idea.   Zones 6-8.  Quarts. (Photo by Magnus Manske, Wiki Commons).

I cannot be specific about the correct name for this Lobelia.  It is most likely a cross between
Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia syphilitica, and perhaps another Lobelia, but I have grown it for quite a few years and have lost its information.  I can tell you
this for certain:  It grows to at least two feet tall; it is clump forming; and it has beautiful Lobelia type foliage and flower stalks with pink/purple blooms.   I have grown this Lobelia for at least six years in Zone 6b, and it has pulled through every year without protection.  Like other Lobelia varieties, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.  Limited.  Zones (best guess):  5-9.  Quarts.