Overview
Lobelia keniensis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Lobelia, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lobelia keniensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Lobelia gregoriana is a species of giant lobelia found in the Afro-montane region of East Africa. The type is from Mount Kenya. Subspecies sattimae is known from Sattima peak in Aberdare and elgonensis from Mount Elgon and Cherangani. It grows at an altitude of 3200–4500 m. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia gregoriana
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lobelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lobelia keniensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lobelia keniensis
- Propagation
- Propagate by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to crown rot and a virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lobelia keniensis?
Lobelia keniensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lobelia keniensis need?
Lobelia keniensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Lobelia keniensis hardy in the UK?
Lobelia keniensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Lobelia keniensis?
Propagate by division.
More in the Lobelia genus
- Hypsela reniformis
- Lobelia cardinalis
- Lobelia erinus 'Dolobelazu'PBR
- Lobelia erinus 'Flo173992'
- Lobelia erinus 'Regatta Sapphire'
- Lobelia erinus 'Riviera Lilac' (Riviera Series)
- Lobelia erinus 'Tech Hevio'
- Lobelia nicotianifolia
