Alphabetical Plant Listing

Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia)

Annual Lobelia, Edging Lobelia, Trailing Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Blue Lobelia, Dwarf Annual Lobelia


Compact and popular, Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia) is a tender perennial, usually grown as an annual, boasting masses of brightly colored flowers adorned with white or yellow throats from spring to the first frosts. Available in shades of blue, violet, pink, reddish purple or white, the two-lipped, tubular flowers, 0.5 in. long (1 cm), feature large fan-shaped lower lips. Borne in loose clusters, they perform well in cool summer weather, but tend to fade out during hot dry summers. The leafy branching stems are clad with narrow, linear, green leaves sometimes tinged with bronze. Lobelia erinus is quite versatile and can be used in hanging baskets, containers or window boxes where it can function as a filler or trail gracefully over the edges. The upright varieties are best for edging and flower beds. Easy to grow and prolifically colorful, it attracts butterflies, is ignored by deer and is wonderful for creating a dazzling display through the summer.

  • Grows up to 6-9 in. tall (15-22 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Grow in part shade where summer heat is intense. Appreciates regular fertilization throughout the growing season.
  • This Lobelia is perennial in hardiness zones 10-11, but treated as an annual in cooler areas.
  • If foliage and blooms significantly decline in summer, cut back to encourage a fall bloom. Remove after flowering ceases in autumn.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to South Africa

Not sure which Lobelia to pick?
Compare All Lobelia

Buy Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia)

Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 11
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Lobelia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 6" – 9" (15cm – 22cm)
Spread 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spacing 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Buy Plants

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Lobelia


Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 11
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Lobelia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 6" – 9" (15cm – 22cm)
Spread 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spacing 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Lobelia

Plant Calculator

How many Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.