About
This tender perennial grown as an annual, with fine, spreading stems, tiny, light green leaves and masses of small, white flowers from late spring until 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
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, fertile, reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. For best results apply a balanced fertiliser every two weeks during spring and early summer and a nitrogen-free fertiliser every two weeks from mid-summer onwards
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-18ºC in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free