How to grow lobelia
Cultivating lobelia
Bedding lobelia
Annual bedding lobelias will grow in both full sun or partial shade. A lightly shaded position, or one out of strong, direct sunshine, will ensure plants go on flowering profusely for a long time – especially during very hot summers.
They need a good, fertile, reliably moist soil, that doesn’t dry out in summer. So dig in lots of bulky organic matter, such as compost, to improve the moisture holding – especially on free-draining soils.
Perennial lobelia
Lobelia cardinalis can be grown in the sun or, preferably, in partial shade. It needs good, fertile soil that remains moist during summer, and doesn’t dry out.
Lobelia tupa needs a sheltered position in full sun and good, fertile, well-drained soil.
Lobelia varieties
Bedding lobelia
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Cambridge Blue Compact lobelia with clear sky blue flowers.
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Crystal Palace Compact lobelia with deep blue flowers.
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Colour Cascade Trailing lobelia with flowers in shades of blue, purple, red and white.
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Mrs Clibran Improved Bushy, trailing lobelia with bright blue, white-eyed flowers.
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Sapphire Compact lobelia with violet-blue flowers with a white eye.
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White Cascade Trailing lobelia with ice white flowers.
Perennial lobelia
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Lobelia cardinalis Bees’ FlameBeetroot-red foliage. Bright scarlet flowers.
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Lobelia cardinalis Black TrufflePurple-black foliage with purple-red highlights. Scarlet red flowers in summer.
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Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria Deep maroon foliage. Bright scarlet flowers in summer and autumn.
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Lobelia tupa Dark, bright red flowers in summer and autumn.
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