About
An upright, clump-forming soft perennial, also grown as an annual, with moderately green ovate-elongated leaves and erect stems bearing terminal spikes of soft pink two-lipped flowers with darker tubes and centres from mid-summer to 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
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
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, rich moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade. Feed with liquid fertilizer until flowering and low nitrogen during the rest of the season.
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division or seed. Seed can be sown in very early spring. Seed may not come true to type.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to crown rot