The Lobelia plant, scientifically known as Lobelia erinus, is a charming trailing annual native to South Africa that captivates with its profuse clusters of delicate, tubular flowers. Often called “trailing lobelia” or simply “lobelia,” this delightful plant is prized for its vibrant displays and refined, cascading habit. Typically growing to a height of 4 to 6 inches and spreading up to 12 to 18 inches, Lobelia adds a splash of color and a touch of elegance to hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden borders.
Our Selection of Lobelia
At Martin Garden Center, we offer 4″ containers of Lobelia throughout the season and carefully curated 10″ hanging baskets designed to showcase its abundant blooms during spring. Our selection is refreshed regularly, ensuring that gardeners have access to high-quality Lobelia year-round, with a special emphasis on the vibrant displays of the spring season.
We are growing the following varieties in 2025:
- Hot Blue Eye
- Hot Snow White
- Hot Purple
- Queen Victoria
- Techno Blue
- Techno Light Blue
- Techno White
- Rift Purple
- Techno Upright Blue
- Techno Upright White
- Techno Violet
Growing and Caring For Lobelia
Lobelia thrives in bright, indirect light, making it ideal for indoor settings near windows or sheltered outdoor spaces. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, in warmer areas it benefits from partial shade to protect its delicate blooms. Choose a spot with consistent, gentle light to encourage a profusion of flowers
Lobelia plants prefer well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. A high-quality potting mix provides the perfect balance, retaining enough moisture while preventing waterlogging. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
This tender annual flourishes in mild, humid conditions. For indoor plants, regular misting or placing a humidity tray nearby can help mimic its native environment. Ideal temperatures range from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Protect Lobelia from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations to maintain its vigorous growth.
To keep your Lobelia looking its best, regularly deadhead spent flowers and trim leggy stems. This not only maintains a neat appearance but also stimulates continuous blooming. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves promptly to reduce the risk of disease and to keep the plant thriving.
Leaves and Flowers
Lobelia’s foliage is composed of soft, oval-shaped leaves that form a compact mound of greenery, providing a striking backdrop for its profuse flowers. The blooms, which appear in clusters, come in a range of colors—from deep blues and purples to soft pinks and whites—each tubular flower adding a burst of vibrancy. This dynamic combination of lush foliage and vivid flowers creates a stunning display that enhances any garden setting.
Uses in the Garden
Lobelia’s trailing habit and eye-catching blossoms make it incredibly versatile in the garden. It excels in hanging baskets, where its cascading habit creates a beautiful waterfall of color. Additionally, Lobelia works well in container gardens, window boxes, and as a ground cover in mixed borders or flower beds. Pair it with complementary bedding plants to craft a harmonious and colorful display that enlivens both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Lobelia is also a fantastic choice for attracting pollinators, as its tubular, nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. With its vibrant blooms, Lobelia provides a continuous source of nectar from Spring through Fall, making it an essential addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Its long flowering season ensures a steady food supply, while its preference for moist soil makes it ideal for rain gardens and borders near water features, where pollinators often gather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lobelia Deer Resistant?
Yes, Lobelia is generally considered deer-resistant due to its slightly bitter-tasting foliage, which makes it less appealing to browsing animals. While no plant is completely deer-proof, Lobelia is not a preferred food source, especially in gardens where other more palatable plants are available. This makes it a great choice for borders, woodland gardens, and container plantings in areas with deer activity.
Do Hummingbirds Like Lobelia?
Yes, hummingbirds love Lobelia! Its tubular, nectar-rich flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to feed from, making it a top choice for attracting them to the garden. Varieties like Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) are especially popular with hummingbirds due to their bright red, pink, or blue blooms.
Is Lobelia Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, Lobelia is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested. It contains alkaloids that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain. In larger quantities, it may lead to more serious effects like tremors or difficulty breathing. While pets may avoid eating Lobelia due to its bitter taste, it’s best to avoid planting it in areas where they might chew on it, or choose another plant altogether.
Do Rabbits Eat Lobelia?
Rabbits generally avoid Lobelia due to its slightly bitter taste and, in some species, mildly toxic properties. While no plant is completely rabbit-proof, Lobelia is not a preferred food source, making it a good choice for gardens prone to rabbit browsing. However, young or tender plants may still be nibbled, especially if food is scarce. To further protect Lobelia, consider planting it alongside rabbit-resistant companions like lavender, marigolds, or salvia.