About
A short-lived, clump-forming perennial to 80cm with upright, leafy stems bearing shiny, lance-shaped, dark green to beetroot-red foliage. Produces spires of vivid red, two-lipped, tubular flowers from mid-summer to mid-autumn.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
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 deep, fertile, reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect with a dry winter mulch
PruningCut down faded flower spikes in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or take bud cuttings in mid-summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to crown rot and a virus