Lobelia: The Mysterious Schneck’s Variety Worth Knowing About
If you’ve stumbled across the name Lobelia ×speciosa var. schneckii in your plant research, you’ve discovered one of gardening’s best-kept secrets—though perhaps not for the reasons you’d expect. This particular lobelia variety is so rare and elusive that even seasoned native plant enthusiasts might scratch their heads when they hear about it.
What Exactly Is Lobelia ×speciosa var. schneckii?
Let’s start with the basics. Lobelia ×speciosa var. schneckii is a perennial forb—essentially a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. The × in its name tells us this is a hybrid, meaning it’s the result of two different lobelia species crossing paths (literally). This particular variety is native to both Canada and the lower 48 United States, though you won’t find it growing wild in many places.
As a forb, this plant lacks the woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees. Instead, it produces herbaceous growth that emerges from buds at or below ground level each growing season. Think of it as nature’s way of playing it safe—when winter comes, the plant retreats underground and waits for better weather.
Where Can You Find This Elusive Lobelia?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for plant collectors). Lobelia ×speciosa var. schneckii has been documented in exactly three places: Ontario, Canada, Illinois, and Missouri. That’s it. If you’re keeping track, that’s two states and one Canadian province out of the entire North American continent.
This extremely limited distribution suggests that var. schneckii is either incredibly rare in the wild or perhaps represents a natural hybrid that only occurs under very specific conditions in these locations.
The Reality Check for Gardeners
Now for the honest truth that most plant websites won’t tell you: finding Lobelia ×speciosa var. schneckii for your garden is going to be like searching for a needle in a haystack. This variety simply isn’t available through typical nursery channels, and its rarity means you’re unlikely to find seeds or plants for sale.
But don’t let that discourage you from exploring the wonderful world of lobelias! While this specific variety might be out of reach, there are plenty of other native lobelia species that can bring similar beauty and ecological benefits to your garden.
Better Lobelia Options for Your Garden
Instead of chasing after this botanical unicorn, consider these more readily available native lobelias:
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Stunning red spikes that hummingbirds absolutely adore
- Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) – Beautiful blue flowers perfect for moist garden spots
- Pale Spike Lobelia (Lobelia spicata) – Delicate pale blue flowers on compact plants
These alternatives will give you the lobelia experience you’re looking for while actually being obtainable and well-documented in terms of growing requirements.
If You’re Dead Set on Finding var. schneckii
Should you somehow encounter this rare variety through specialty native plant societies or botanical exchanges, treat it like the treasure it is. Given its limited natural range, any cultivation attempts should focus on mimicking conditions found in Ontario, Illinois, and Missouri.
Since specific growing information isn’t readily available, your best bet would be to:
- Provide conditions similar to other Lobelia species (moist, rich soil)
- Ensure good drainage while maintaining consistent moisture
- Offer partial shade to full sun exposure
- Be patient—rare plants often take time to establish
The Bottom Line
Lobelia ×speciosa var. schneckii represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that remind us how much we still don’t know about the plant world. While it might not be practical for most gardeners to pursue, its existence highlights the incredible diversity within the lobelia genus and the importance of preserving rare plant varieties.
For most of us, celebrating this variety means appreciating it from afar while choosing more accessible native lobelias that can bring similar ecological benefits to our gardens. Sometimes the best way to honor a rare plant is to grow its more common cousins and support the habitats where rarities like var. schneckii can continue to thrive in the wild.
