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Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia)

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

Lobelia erinus, Annual Lobelia, Edging Lobelia, Trailing Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Blue Lobelia, Blue Flowers
Lobelia erinus, Annual Lobelia, Edging Lobelia, Trailing Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Blue Lobelia, Blue Flowers

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

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 Campanulaceae
Genus Lobelia
Common names Blue Lobelia, Lobelia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 9"
(15cm - 23cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 12"
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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 Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Lobelia x speciosa ‘Starship Deep Rose’ (Cardinal Flower)
Lobelia cardinalis ‘Queen Victoria’ (Cardinal Flower)
Lobelia x speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ (Cardinal Flower)
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia)

Recommended Companion Plants

Calibrachoa ‘Cabaret Light Pink’
Fuchsia ‘Ballet Girl’
Begonia ‘Nonstop Rose Petticoat’

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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.
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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 Campanulaceae
Genus Lobelia
Common names Blue Lobelia, Lobelia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 9"
(15cm - 23cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 12"
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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 Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lobelia
Guides with
Lobelia
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