Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis, growing along greenway

I'm thinking about the nature of the gardens that we create.  And choosing plants that thrive where they're planted. 

In the mountains, Lobelia cardinalis, although adapted to moist environments, thrives even in full sun in streetside environments.  This clump, admittedly in a rain garden setting, was about as robust as Lobelia gets.  And I've noticed that the small blue 'bedding plant' version does well even in this summer's excessive heat.  Maybe the cooler night-time temperatures are the key to their success.