Lobelia tupa (devil's tobacco) — Shrub

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

Lobelia tupa is a shrub notable for tall spikes of tubular red flowers. Native to Chile, it typically reaches about 2.0 m and flowers from June to September. It prefers full sun and soils from sandy to clay that remain moist but drain freely. Wear gloves when handling as the plant is harmful if eaten and can irritate skin.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia tupa

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.

More in the Lobelia genus

Browse all Lobelia →