Lobelias are probably best known for the annual summer bedding plant, indispensable for edging borders and for brightening up containers and hanging baskets. But there are also some gorgeous herbaceous perennial lobelias too.

My favorite color is blue, so I go absolutely giddy every spring when annual lobelia plants start showing up at my local nursery. Not only do many varieties have true blue flowers, a rarity in the garden world, many also love cool weather and are in full splendor during spring and fall. They are a must-have for my spring containers, and anywhere else in my garden where I want to add a blast of blue.