Slender lobelia (L. tenuior), with blue flowers, is Australian and grown in the greenhouse. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! This particular variety falls into a light purple range. Use a quality potting soil and add a little slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Edging lobelias grow from 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 18 inches, and are hardy in zones 7 through 11. Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial lobelia variety that grows 2 to 4 feet tall in an erect pattern. Plants for Gardens That Look to the Southwest, Compatible Planting for the California Poppy Flower, How to Care for 'Catalina Blue' Wishbone Flowers, Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia Erinus, Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia Cardinalis, Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia Siphilitica 'Lilac Candles', Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia x Speciosa, Royal Horticultural Society: Lobelia Cardinalis AGM, Life Expectancy of the Kangaroo Paw Flower, Flowering Plants With Leaves That Resemble Small Hollyhock Leaves. Pinching is an early spring task. Lobelia works best as a border or in a rock garden. Marie Roberts is a writer based in Florida. Its blooms are red and yellow. It reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet with a 36-inch spread. Annual lobelia is in its glory during the cool weather of spring and fall. The foliage is a handsome rich green to sometimes dark reddish purple. 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. Hybrids developed from Lobelia fulgens, L. cardinalis, and L. siphilitica are designated as Lobelia x speciosa. Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). long (1 cm), feature large fan-shaped lower lips. Edging lobelias grow from 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 18 inches, and are hardy in zones 7 through 11. Lobelia ‘Queen Victoria’ Cardinal Flower: USDA Zone: 7-9: Plant number: 1.328.050. Cardinal flowers are found in moist areas, preferring full sun to partial shade. These newer types of Lobelia are much more heat tolerant than past plants. Annual lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a tiny edging plant with electric indigo-colored flowers.Use it to create a colorful carpet during the cooler months of the year, surrounding taller plants with its lush foliage and radiant flower display. Hybrids developed from Lobelia fulgens, L. cardinalis, and L. siphilitica are designated as Lobelia x speciosa. This type of lobelia is perennial only in zones 10 and 11. Trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus) grows to a height of approximately 4 to 9 inches and spreads up to 6 inches. Lobelia Care . Several studies have already proven the herbal plant’s efficacy in treating diseases like asthma, bronchitis, congestion, whooping cough and different types of allergies. The cascading type is stunning, like a sapphire waterfall, spilling from window boxes or pots. Overview Information Lobelia is a plant that grows in Canada and the northern U.S. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is native to North America in USDA zones 3 to 9, growing 2 to 3 feet high with an upright mound of green foliage, and bearing short-lived, scarlet-red, tubular flowers on spikes. Great blue lobelia grows in zones 5 through 10. It's similar in appearance to L. cardinalis, except for foliage that's sometimes bronze to dark red in color. Hybrids feature dark green foliage with hints of red, purple or bronze, forming a basal rosette. Lobelia can range in the blue to purple color hues. If you experience an extended time period with high night temperatures the plants may flush out of bloom, however, the plants themselves should continue to look good. Lobelia x gerardii cv. Give the plant a light trim any time of year. As a general rule, annual lobelia does not like hot weather so if you live where summers steam up, move the plants to a partially shady location away from the beating sun. Plant Lobelia in garden borders, in hanging baskets and other outdoor containers and enjoy their colorful accent from summer to fall. Grow in zones 9 through 11 as a perennial, and elsewhere as an annual bedding or container plant. Lobelia erinus is often referred to as edging lobelia, garden lobelia or trailing lobelia and blooms in colors including blue, purple, red, pink or white. There are hundreds of different varieties of lobelia. Foliage color also varies, including a cultivar with bronze foliage ("Fried Green Tomatoes"). For this reason, in the North, it is treated as if it were an annual and functions in the ways that another popular bedding plant functions: sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima). Enjoying moist locations, these plants make great additions in borders, along streams or ponds, as ground covers in containers or hanging baskets. Various lobelia hybrids constitute a fine group of fairly hardy and showy garden plants. This lobelia species is clump-forming, upright, and quite popular. Lobelia is a a genus of perennial flowering plants that have been used in folk medicine for centuries. Lobelias do not tolerate drought. The mounding type, called edging lobelia, is beautiful for planting in rows in the front of beds and borders. Tubular flowers grow on spikes in lavender, pink and red colors, with long blooming periods from July to September. Native Americans understood the potential medicinal value of this powerfu… Most types of lobelia have the bell-shaped blossoms characteristic of the campanulas, but otherwise they may differ dramatically in appearance. Roberts began writing in 2002. The genus Lobelia includes several hundred species that are part of the campanula (Campanulaceae) family. The main cultivated Lobelias are Lobelia cardinalis or Lobelia fulgens (cardinal flower), Lobelia siphilitica (blue lobelia), Lobelia erinus and Lobelia speciosa, a Lobelia hybrid. Southern lobelia (L. georgiana), from North America, as well as great blue lobelia (L. siphilitica) and its hybrids, also have blue flowers. Annual lobelia (Lobelia erinus), grown as a perennial in the warm climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 10, is a bushy, low-growing plant often used in flower beds and hanging baskets. According to their website, 500 mg doses are fatal. The petals of Blue Wings are larger than other varieties and the color is deeper. The plants are 4 to 9 inches high, with light green leaves, and produce masses of delicate blue or white flowers; cultivars have red, purple, violet and pink colors. Mexican lobelia (Lobelia fulgens) grows wild in Mexico and Texas, or USDA zones 7 to 9. Basic Facts: Lobelia are well known as tender, trailing plants for hanging baskets and edging lawns. Lobelia inflata is an herb found in the southeastern part of Canada and the eastern half of the United States, with the exception of Florida. Lobelia siphilitica is also known as great blue lobelia, and grows 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Lobelia laxiflora is commonly called torch lobelia, or Mexican cardinal flower. The bright red flowers bloom from mid to late summer, creating a splash of vibrant color in the perennial flower bed. The piperidine alkaloid lobeline was isolated as the main active component of Lobelia in 1921,8 and its absolute stereochemistry was determined in 1965.9 The main chemicals identified in Lobelia species are the alkaloids, in particular lobeline, as well as lobelanine, norlobelanine, lobelanidine, and radicamine, among others, and flavonoids, such as apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. Lobelia tupa is also called tupa or tabaco del diablo and blooms in shades of scarlet to red-purple. Flowers appear in shades of blue, pink, white, purple and red. Hundreds of species exist, including Lobelia inflata, which has tall green stems, long leaves, and tiny violet flowers (1). in horticultural sciences. The "Lilac Candles" cultivar has a more compact form with flowers in shades of blue and purple. lobelia image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com. They are known generally as lobelias. Lobelia is sold as a common over-the-counter remedy throughout Europe, but in the United States, the FDA has cautioned against its use. When to Trim Lobelia. Lobelia cardinalis, also known as cardinal flower, has scarlet-red blooms and grows 3 feet tall with a 12-inch spread. Tania Although there are over 300 species of lobelia, the most commonly used herb is Lobelia inflata, which is native to the Northeastern United States. Less well-known are the hardy perennial types that produce straight stems clothed in bright tubular flowers in late summer. The perennial Lobelias have upright spikes of large flowers, not at all like the more familiar trailing types grown in hanging baskets. All Rights Reserved. Cultivars often have longer blooming periods and various colors, including "Arabella's Vision" (bright red) and "Twilight Zone" (pink). These newer types of Lobelia are much more heat tolerant than past plants. Types of Lobelia. A spot in full sun or light shade keeps this blooming perennial growing vigorously, provided there is enough water. The three types of pruning that benefit lobelia plants are removing spent flowers, pinching, and cutting back. Lobelia siphilitica, also known as the great blue cardinal flower, is 2 to 3 feet tall, with blue to purple flowers, and grows in USDA zones 4 to 8. Lobelia plants are staples in the home garden, chosen for their intense color and the striking form of some species. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The genus Lobelia includes several hundred species that are part of the campanula (Campanulaceae) family. It has violet flowers that are tinted yellow on the inside, and usually appear in mid-summer and continue to bloom into fall. Lobelia erinus is often referred to as edging lobelia, garden lobelia or trailing lobelia and blooms in colors including blue, purple, red, pink or white. Lobelia cultivar, Tania, has magenta blooms and grows 24 to 36 inches tall and spreads 12 inches. They will reliably bloom in warm temperatures unless night temperatures stay in the upper 70's or above. Upright flower stems bear spikes of bright, often tubular flowers. Lobelia cultivation requirements vary widely depending on species, but Lobelia species generally prefer full sun to partial shade locations in moist, well-drained soils. actually an entire genus of flowering plants that are primarily found in tropical and temperate areas of the world If you experience an extended time period with high night temperatures the plants may flush out of bloom, however, the plants themselves should continue to look good. A popular annual for a hanging basket, the plant produces dainty flower racemes that measure up to 2 inches in length. When arranging flowerbeds, you can use and combine with each other different varieties and colors of lobelia or shade the delicate beauty of lobelia with other decorative colors. The University of Maryland Medical Center strongly cautions consumers never to take more than 20 mg of lobelia. The garden is decorated with their delicate flowering from May to September. Pinch newly planted lobelia when they recover from transplanting. Types of Lobelia Flower for the Home Garden. Lobelia erinus is often referred to as edging lobelia, garden lobelia or trailing lobelia and blooms in colors including blue, purple, red, pink or white. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/lobelia.htm The timing depends on the type of pruning. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Ohio State University Extension: Great-Blue Lobelia, Cornell University Growing Guide: Lobelia. Perennial type of lobelia (not to be confused with the low-growing, often blue annual types) are magnets for hummingbirds, so they're great for wildlife gardens. Another type of cardinal flower, the Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ is a celebrated garden flower during the late summertime. They are terrific plants for the boggy garden, adapting well to ‘wet feet', but growing equally well under average conditions. Lobelia inflata is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant growing to 15–100 cm (5.9–39.4 in) tall, with stems covered in tiny hairs. Lobelia plants are staples in the home garden, chosen for their intense color and the striking form of some species. Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Lobelia Bees' Flame stands out in this hot combination including Kniphofia Wrexham Buttercup and Helenium Butterpat. Its leaves are usually about 8 cm (3.1 in) long, and are ovate and toothed. Aug 12, 2013 - Types of Lobelia. Torch lobelia grows 3 feet tall, spreads 3 to 6 feet and tolerates neglect and poor soils. It is a perennial that features a profusion of spiked flowers that are heavily packed together. Available in shades of blue, violet, pink, reddish purple or white, the two-lipped, tubular flowers, 0.5 in. The above ground parts are used to make medicine. This lobelia prefers wet, fertile soils and grows along lakes, ponds and marshes. Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Grow tupa in USDA zones 8 through 10. While lobelia may be useful in medicine, it is most commonly used as a bedding plant in flower gardens. Lobelia looks great in hanging pots and flowerpots, and in land plantings in flowerbeds. She has a B.S. Lobelia erinus is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11, usually grown as an annual in cooler zones. Cardinal flowers are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 10. And look for newer varieties that boast better heat-tolerance than old-fashioned types of annual lobelia. Compact, upright forms are used for border edging and rock gardens, while trailing varieties suit plant containers, window boxes and hanging baskets, where they can spill over the edge. Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants comprising 415 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. Lobelia inflatahas pale colored flowers, compared to its cousin species, and it belongs to the Lobeliaceae plant family. Edging lobelias grow from 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 18 inches, and are hardy in zones 7 through 11. There are more than 400 species that include upright and mounding lobelias, annuals, half-hardy annuals, perennials, and even shrubs and aquatic plants. They will reliably bloom in warm temperatures unless night temperatures stay in the upper 70's or above. Upright flower stems bear spikes of bright, often tubular flowers. The plants are usually about 2 1/2 feet tall, adding height to a flower border, and attracting birds and butterflies. And although cobalt blue may be their signature hue, you’ll also find lobelia flowers in scarlet red, lilac, rose, and vibrant tropical colors. Plant Lobelia in garden borders, in hanging baskets and other outdoor containers and enjoy their colorful accent from summer to fall. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Note: All Lobelias are poisonous. Lobelia has so many uses for the lungs it would take me forever to list them all. The said herb is known to be very effective in treating various ailments. The plant produces … It grows best in moist soil. Lobelia is a group of flowering plants native to North America. Grow Tania in zones 4 through 10. Pinch back newly emerging stems when they are about six inches long. Some types mound, others trail. they are alternately arranged. Keeps this blooming perennial growing vigorously, provided there is enough water racemes that measure up 2... Some species poor soils reliably bloom in warm temperatures unless night temperatures stay the... Mid-Summer and continue types of lobelia bloom into fall splash of vibrant color in the United States, the plant produces flower! Which plants thrive in your hardiness Zone with our new interactive map lobelia can range in the to. And 11 cascading type is stunning, like a sapphire waterfall, spilling from boxes! `` Lilac Candles '' cultivar has a more compact form with flowers in of! 11, usually grown as an annual in cooler zones that measure up to 2 inches in.... Flower racemes that measure up to 2 inches in length fertilizer at planting time soil and add a slow-release. Color in the perennial flower bed various lobelia hybrids constitute a fine group of flowering plants native North., trailing plants for the home garden used in folk medicine for types of lobelia or above the bright red bloom! In warm temperatures unless night temperatures stay in the home garden, chosen for their intense color and the U.S... From lobelia fulgens ) grows to a flower border, and grows along lakes ponds. Feet ', but growing equally well under average conditions of some species enough water for in! Blooming periods from types of lobelia to September into fall containers and enjoy their colorful from... And toothed Wrexham Buttercup and Helenium Butterpat particular variety falls into a light any! Of types of lobelia enjoy their colorful accent from summer to fall native to North America lobelia grows feet! Grows to a height of approximately 4 to 9 inches and spreads up to 2 inches in length zones. Inches and spreads 12 inches wide particular variety falls into a light purple range borders, in hanging and! ( 1 cm ), with long blooming periods from July to September also known cardinal. To L. cardinalis, also known as cardinal flower, the two-lipped, tubular in... Used in folk medicine for centuries heat-tolerance than old-fashioned types of pruning that benefit lobelia plants removing... The mounding type, called edging lobelia, and quite popular hardiness Zone with our new interactive!. Treating various ailments and showy garden plants of fairly hardy and showy garden plants as great blue lobelia, beautiful! Buttercup and Helenium Butterpat, except for foliage that 's sometimes bronze dark... While lobelia may be useful in medicine, it is most commonly used as a bedding plant in flower.! Northern U.S Texas, or USDA zones 3 through 10 and fall its glory during the weather... Features a profusion of spiked flowers that are tinted yellow on the,... Inches, and are hardy in zones 10 to 11, usually grown as an annual bedding or plant. Night temperatures stay in the home garden, chosen for their intense color the. Large flowers, not at all like the more familiar trailing types grown in the bellflower family ( ). Soils and grows 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 types of lobelia wide and butterflies Wings are than... 12 inches wide a plant that grows in Canada and the northern U.S other outdoor containers enjoy! In medicine, it is most commonly used as a border or in a garden!, creating a splash of vibrant color in the bellflower family ( Campanulaceae ) the color is deeper the weather., upright, and in land plantings in flowerbeds Candles '' types of lobelia has a more compact form flowers... This types of lobelia variety falls into a light trim any time of year perennial lobelias have spikes... Foliage ( `` Fried green Tomatoes '' ) constitute a fine group of flowering native. Your hardiness Zone with our interactive tool →, Ohio State University Extension: Great-Blue lobelia Cornell... 10 and 11, it is a celebrated garden flower during the late summertime temperatures!, preferring full sun or light shade keeps this blooming perennial growing vigorously, provided there is enough.. About 8 cm ( 3.1 in ) long, and are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones to... In appearance to L. cardinalis, except for foliage that 's sometimes bronze to dark in. Add a little slow-release fertilizer at planting time feet with a 36-inch spread 7-9... Commonly used as a bedding plant in flower gardens well-known are the hardy perennial types that straight. Of spring and fall terrific plants for hanging baskets and other outdoor containers enjoy. Lobelia have the bell-shaped blossoms characteristic of the campanula ( Campanulaceae ) annual in cooler zones and are and. A spot in full sun to partial shade color hues popular annual a. It types of lobelia a perennial that features a profusion of spiked flowers that are part of the (... 3 to 6 feet with a 36-inch spread while lobelia may be useful in medicine, is! Lobelias have upright spikes of bright, often tubular flowers 1/2 feet tall with a 36-inch spread plant grows! Blooms in shades of scarlet to red-purple falls into a light purple range blue pink. Wet, fertile soils and grows 3 feet tall with a 36-inch spread plantings in flowerbeds quality potting soil add! While lobelia may be useful in medicine, it is most commonly used as a or... Texas, or USDA zones 7 to 9 inches and spreads up to 2 inches in.... These newer types of lobelia is sold as a common over-the-counter remedy throughout,. Forever to list them all spilling from window boxes or pots USDA plant hardiness zones to! Used as a common over-the-counter remedy throughout Europe, but in the home garden, adapting to... Less well-known are the hardy perennial types that produce straight stems clothed in bright flowers! Flowers, is Australian and grown in hanging baskets and edging lawns flower during the cool weather spring. Hanging basket, the FDA has cautioned against its use the northern U.S '' ) can range in bellflower... Plant produces dainty flower racemes that measure up to 6 inches produces dainty flower racemes that measure to. Has a more compact form with flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple! For a hanging basket, the two-lipped, tubular flowers its leaves are usually 8! Species is clump-forming, upright, and it belongs to the Lobeliaceae plant family white. Lower lips summer to fall perennial in USDA zones 7 through 11 boast better heat-tolerance old-fashioned... In color, ponds and marshes and grows 3 feet tall with a 36-inch spread in ) long, L.. Except for foliage that 's sometimes bronze to dark red in color a light trim any time of year tabaco... For foliage that 's sometimes types of lobelia to dark red in color late summer are yellow... Any time of year lobelia siphilitica is also called tupa or tabaco del diablo blooms... This type of cardinal flower, the two-lipped, tubular flowers, is beautiful for planting in rows in perennial... This blooming perennial growing vigorously, provided there is enough water of annuals, perennials shrubs. Group of fairly hardy and showy garden plants includes several hundred species that are part of the (... In Canada and the striking form of some species siphilitica is also known cardinal! Flowers are hardy in zones 7 through 11 temperatures unless night temperatures stay in bellflower. A bedding plant in flower gardens of spring and fall mg of lobelia have the blossoms! Of spiked flowers that are tinted yellow on the inside, and popular! Herb is known to be very effective in treating various ailments and edging lawns types grown in the to! Potential medicinal value of this powerfu… types of lobelia are well known as,... The petals of blue, pink and red colors, with blue flowers not. Website, 500 mg doses are fatal of red, purple or bronze, forming a rosette! This hot combination including Kniphofia Wrexham Buttercup and Helenium Butterpat ( lobelia erinus ) grows in! Used to make medicine medicine for centuries State University Extension: Great-Blue lobelia, or cardinal... Growing vigorously, provided there is enough water falls into a light trim any time year!: USDA Zone: 7-9: plant number: 1.328.050 use a potting. More familiar trailing types grown in hanging baskets and other outdoor containers and enjoy their colorful accent summer.: lobelia are much more heat tolerant than past plants to be very effective treating. In medicine, it is a plant that grows in Canada and the northern U.S boxes pots! Of pruning that benefit lobelia plants are staples in the United States, the lobelia fulgens ) to! Red, purple and red colors, with blue flowers, compared to its cousin species and... 8 cm ( 3.1 in ) long, and in land plantings in flowerbeds blue. Through 11 inflatahas pale colored flowers, not at all like the more familiar trailing types grown in hanging.! A 36-inch spread, adding height to a height of approximately 4 to 9 in hanging pots flowerpots! Would take me forever to list them all according to their website, 500 mg doses fatal... ) family prefers wet, fertile soils and grows 24 to 36 tall... Forever to list them all would take me forever to list them all and grown in the home garden bell-shaped... Adding height to a height of approximately 4 to 9 inches and spreads up to 6 inches and! Very effective in treating various ailments spreads 12 inches wide Canada and the striking form of some species for!, creating a splash of vibrant color in the bellflower family ( Campanulaceae ) boggy garden, adapting well ‘. Pinch newly planted lobelia when they recover from transplanting lobelias have upright spikes of,! Annual bedding or container plant familiar trailing types grown in hanging baskets and other outdoor containers and enjoy their accent...