About
Lobelia 'Mrs Humbert' is a named cultivar in the genus Lobelia (family Campanulaceae) and is grown for its summer flowering. As a Lobelia, it shares the genus’s two-lipped, tubular flower form and alternate simple leaves. Plants in this group occur across tropical to warm-temperate regions. The main display runs from June to September.
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 'Mrs Humbert' sits within the large genus Lobelia, part of the Campanulaceae family. Members of this genus show a wide range of growth habits but typically bear two-lipped, tubular flowers and simple alternate leaves; the genus is found mainly in tropical to warm-temperate parts of the world. This cultivar is selected for its seasonal flowering habit and is used where a summer bloom period is wanted. When working with any Lobelia cultivar, check the plant label for its specific habit and lifespan before planting, since species in the genus include annuals, perennials and tender types. Many gardeners position lobelias where their summer display can be seen — for instance as part of summer bedding, in containers, or at the front of mixed borders. Maintenance approaches should follow the plant’s label: follow potting and feeding guidance for container specimens and match planting location to the material’s described hardiness. Expect the primary flowering period of Lobelia 'Mrs Humbert' to be June to September, which defines the most active seasonal use for this cultivar.
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 fulgensCardinal Flower
- 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
