Laurie, I don't know, could it be Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower, right now mine are very small to tell but my basal leaves kind of look like yours?

Maybe post at the Name this Plant forum and see what they have to say?

Sharon

Laurie, take it to Patmore Nursery Sales next time you go to Brandon. I'm sure that they would be able to identify it for you.

Brenda

I googled Lobelia cardinalis and it could be it. I also found Lobelia siphilitica, which I'll give the link for below.

Brenda I just planted these out yesterday around the pond, so if they were still in a pot I could have taken them in to Patmore's too. I guess when they bloom, then I'll know for sure which lobelia they are.

Thanks for the suggestions.
Laurie

Here is a link that might be useful: Lobelia siphilitica

Sharon you were right. They are definitely Lobelia cardinalis. They started blooming the other day, and boy do I love how rich their colour is!

LUCKY YOU Laurie, I bet you it looks wonderful along side your pond....mine will probably not bloom till next year, so I'll just sit back and enjoy yours right now.
It's beautiful!

Thanks Sharon, this is the first clump to start blooming. There are 3 more that'll be blooming soon too, and I can hardly wait! The camera just can't capture the richness of the red. Maybe I'll have to try on an overcast day, because when I use my shadow it's too dark for a picture.
Do you think that they'll have any problems over-wintering?

I've tried twice now to germinate them, but no luck either time. After seeing your picture, Laurie, i'll have to try again!

Many books/sites claim they are hardy to zone 2/3, the trouble is having the right conditons in order for them to thrive.

Here's a website that may interest you, note that they are short lived perennials, so make sure you let some go to seed.

Mine are just sitting there, with no growth since I planted them in the spring. LOL, I think I have them in too much shade, if my seedlings are still alive by next spring, I'll move it to more sun.

Sharon

Here is a link that might be useful: Lobelia cardinalis

Thanks for the site Sharon. I'll go have a look.

I hope this isn't beginner's luck with them........

Interesting. Thanks for the link, too, Sharon. I broke down and bought one this year. It hasn't bloomed but it has dark red leaves. The pictures all show green foliage. Now I'm wondering if I have the right plant . : (
Off to do some research.

Shauna