Overview
Lobelia tupa is a shrub in the genus Lobelia, part of the Campanulaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Lobelia tupa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Chile.
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
A tall, red-flowered shrub, Lobelia tupa (devil's tobacco) originates from Chile and produces vertical spikes of tubular red blooms from June to September. It typically grows to around 2.0 m and draws attention for its long flowering season in summer. Give it a sunny position and soils that can be sandy, loamy or clay so long as they stay moist but well drained; avoid waterlogged planting spots. It is rated H5 (hardy) in UK terms, meaning it will survive normal winters across much of the country but benefits from a sheltered aspect in more exposed sites. Allow room for its mature height when siting and remove spent flowering stems after bloom to neaten the shrub. Lobelia tupa suits the back of a sunny mixed border or a sunny sheltering wall where its tall flower spikes can provide summer colour. Take care when pruning or moving the plant: it is harmful if eaten and a skin irritant, so wear gloves and protective equipment. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lobelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lobelia tupa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Native to
- Chile
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lobelia tupa?
Lobelia tupa prefers full sun.
What soil does Lobelia tupa need?
Lobelia tupa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Lobelia tupa grow?
Lobelia tupa reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Lobelia tupa hardy in the UK?
Lobelia tupa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
Is Lobelia tupa toxic?
Harmful 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.
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 × vedrariensis
- Pratia pedunculata 'County Park'Blue Star Creeper
