About
Lobelia excelsa, the devil's tobacco, is a sparsely branched, evergreen shrub to 1.5 m from Chile with dark, upright stems bearing whorls of bright or greyish-green leaves. In summer it bears terminal spikes of orange-red, tubular flowers up to 8 cm long, very attractive to hummingbirds in its native habitat. A striking and ornamental Lobelia shrub for a frost-free, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Lobelia are annuals, perennials or shrubs with simple leaves and showy, two-lipped flowers that may be solitary or borne in racemes or panicles. A versatile and widely grown genus for borders, containers, bog gardens and wildlife gardens.
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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical
Native toChina
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 with little or no frost
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free