Lobelia
Lobelia erinus
Lobelia is a low, bushy or trailing annual smothered in tiny blue, purple, white or pink flowers. It is a favourite for edging and for spilling over the sides of hanging baskets and window boxes.
Photo: André Karwath aka Aka · CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Keep the soil evenly moist; it stops flowering if it dries out.
Soil
Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
2–28 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Feed every two weeks with a diluted fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed
Shear back by half if flowering slows in summer.
Lobelia contains alkaloids that are toxic if eaten by people or pets.
Top Cultivation Tips
Sow the tiny seeds in pinches on the surface.
Give afternoon shade in warm weather.
Pairs well with geraniums and petunias.
Trailing types suit baskets.
