About
A tall clump-forming herbaceous perennial, also grown as an annual, with ovate-oblong moderate green leaves, bearing erect terminal spikes of two-lipped tubular, ruby to dark red flowers in summer and 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, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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, rich moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade. Feed with liquid fertilizer until flowering and low nitrogen during the rest of the season.
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division and seed. Seed can be sown in very early spring but it may not come true to type
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to crown rot