Lobelia
( loh - BEEL - ee - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationLobelia is a genus of perennial and annual flowering plants that are widely planted in containers and baskets as well as in flower borders. Flowers resemble Honeysuckle or Salvia. Flowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Take care when planting, as the foliage of most species contain toxic chemicals that can harm humans and pets.
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Lobelia Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Lobelia vary depending on the species. For more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Lobelia cardinalis (Lobelia fulgens) (Cardinal Flower) This perennial species grows well in zones 1-7 and 14-17 and is native to the eastern United States as well as scattered areas in the mountains of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It produces a single stem topped with a spike of red flowers in summer. It is naturally a bog plant, and loves rich, moist soil and can take full sun or partial shade. Varieties include 'Queen Victoria' (4-5 feet tall with purple-red foliage and scarlet flowers) and 'St. Elmo's Fire' ('Elm Fire'; with bronze foliage and scarlet flowers). |
Lobelia erinus This annual grows well in all zones and is native to South Africa. It is a popular and widely-grown species of Lobelia, with bronzy-green or green foliage. Blooms last from early summer to the first frost of the year and flowers are commonly blue with white or yellow throats, though flowers can come in other colors such as pink, reddish-purple, or white). It needs rich, moist soil. |
Lobelia laxiflora This perennial Lobelia grows best in zones 7-9 and 12-24 and is native to Arizona and Mexico. It reaches 3 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. Stems are erect and clothed in narrow leaves, topped with open clusters of orange-red flowers over a long season in summertime. Can withstand aridity and neglect, and persists in abandoned gardens. Needs little water and can take full sun to partial shade. |
Lobelia x speciosa (Lobelia gerardii) This perennial is best in zones 2-9 and 14-17, and it can reach 5 feet tall and a foot wide. Many varieties have red leaves and flowers, though others have green leaves and flowers in scarlet, purple, red, or blue-purple. This species needs rich soil and ample water for best performance and full sun to partial shade. |
Lobelia tupa (Devil's Tobacco) This species grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24, is native to Chile and has a tropical look to it. Plants grow to 6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, have red stems and green leaves. Flowers are a rich, warm red and form in clusters, attracting hummingbirds in droves. Needs a sunny, sheltered placement and rich, well-draining soil. Easy to propagate via division; needs regular water. |
Caring for Lobelia
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 419, Lobelia
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