Lobelia image 1
Lobelia image 2
Lobelia image 3

Lobelia

Lobelia cardinalis, L. sp., L. siphilitica, L. georgiana, L. erinus

Category: Flowers

Lobelia flowers features fan-shape lower petals (usually 3) with 2 upper 'lips' in bright reds and blues. Some, such as Cardinal Flower are borne on erect stems, while others, like Blue Moon, are excellent ground covers. Lobelia is excellent in native/pollinator, rain, and cut flower gardens. Caution: L. x intermedia hybrids are not good pollinator plants.

How to Grow Lobelia

Quick Info

Spacing
2 ft spacing
Depth
Water
1 in/week
Height
3-10 in
Germination
20 days
Germination Temp
65-75 °F
Soil pH

Put away the pen and paper

Plan your veggie garden in minutes with Planter's easy drag and drop planner.

Try Planter for Free
Planter app garden planner preview

Varieties

California Bluebells
California Bluebells This resilient heirloom features luminous, chalice-shaped blooms, thriving in tough conditions and appealing to native bees.
Cambridge Blue
Cambridge Blue Profuse soft, light blue flowers bloom from spring to fall, ideal for versatile garden and container displays.
Cascade of Color Trailing
Cascade of Color Trailing Features a trailing habit with abundant blooms in a spectrum of colors including blue, lilac, red, ruby, and white.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace This compact lobelia produces abundant, rich dark blue flowers, blooming profusely from spring through frost.
Dondo White Ageratum
Dondo White Ageratum Presents abundant, pure white, fluffy flowers that create a soft, cloud-like texture in the garden.
Fairy Bouquet Linaria
Fairy Bouquet Linaria This versatile variety features dainty, bright 3/4-inch flowers, ideal for mass plantings, containers, and attracting pollinators.
Magic Mix Monkey Flower
Magic Mix Monkey Flower Continuous spring-to-fall bloom of varied yellow, orange, pink, and red trumpet-shaped flowers.
Regatta Formula Mix
Regatta Formula Mix This cascading variety offers an early, profuse bloom of nine diverse colors on long trailing stems, ideal for containers.
View all 9 varieties →

Pests

Diseases

Beneficial Critters

Growing from Seed

Some cultivars can be grown from seed, while mature plants can be purchased at nurseries.

Planting Considerations

Lobelia doesn't mind wet areas. Plants are poisonous to humans in large quantities and some cultivars harmful to dogs, cats, and horses.

Harvesting

Pick when 1/3 of flowers are open.

Get Planter

Available everywhere

Planter app on multiple devices