About
Lobelia tupa, devil's tobacco, is a robust, woody-based perennial to 2 m tall with upright stems bearing narrow, hairy, grey-green leaves to 30 cm long. From late summer to mid-autumn it produces terminal racemes of brilliant red, tubular flowers 6 cm long with protruding stamens � one of the most dramatically exotic-looking lobelias for a sunny, sheltered border.
About the genus
Lobelia are annuals, perennials and shrubs with simple, alternate leaves and showy, two-lipped flowers in white, pink, red, violet or blue, produced singly or in racemes or panicles. Grown in borders, containers and water margins.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChile
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 well-drained but fertile soil in full sun
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in late winter. Basal cuttings may be possible, but few are produced
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free