About the genus
Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae comprising 444 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lobelia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia
In the garden
Lobelia fulgens belongs to the bellflower family Campanulaceae and is native to the Americas, where it is typically found in riparian zones, riverbanks, bogs and shaded, waterlogged woodland. It can occur close to open water and is sometimes seen with parts of the plant submerged while the flower spikes emerge above the surface. Leaves are lance-shaped with toothed edges and the blooms are borne in erect racemes. Establish Lobelia fulgens where the soil remains consistently moist; locations that mimic riverbanks or pond margins are appropriate. It tolerates damp shade as well as sunnier spots provided the root run does not dry out. Expect flower spikes to rise above the foliage and to carry individual flowers up to a few centimetres across, giving a summer-through-early-autumn display from June to September. In a UK garden use it at pond edges, in rain gardens and in damp mixed borders or along stream features, allowing room for upright racemes. In very wet sites plants may grow slightly in the water with their flower spikes projecting above the surface, so plan positions where that habit will be acceptable.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lobelia genus
- Hypsela reniformis
- Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'Lobelia
- Lobelia laxiflora var. angustifolianarrow-leaved Sierra Madre lobelia
- Lobelia syphiliticaGreat Blue Lobelia
- Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'Great Blue Lobelia
- Lobelia tupadevil's tobacco
- Lobelia × vedrariensis
- Pratia pedunculata 'County Park'Blue Star Creeper
