About
In summer produces a spire of dusky, pale to dark pink, tubular flowers with a single lip divided into five fingers which often remain joined at the tips. A woody-based, semi-evergreen perennial which may become shrubby in milder areas or die down in colder winters. The strongly upright stems, up to 2m tall, are densely clothed in mid-green, lanceolate leaves up to 25cm long.
About the genus
Lobelia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and showy 2-lipped flowers that may be solitary or in racemes or panicles
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toChile
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Cover the crown with a dry mulch in winter
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free