About
A trailing annual with small, dark green foliage and flowers 2cm across in summer and autumn, in shades of blue, purple, red and white.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during spring and early summer and a nitrogen free fertilizer every two weeks from mid-summer onwards
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free