Lobelia
Lobelia erinus
Also listed as Lobelia acutangula, Lobelia benguellensis
Also known as Bedding Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Edging Lobelia
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lobelia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Lobelia erinus is a tender annual with delicate, colorful flowers in blue, purple, pink, or white that bloom profusely throughout summer. Its compact, mounding or trailing habit makes it ideal for borders, hanging baskets, and containers.
Why grow it
Lobelia erinus offers reliable, continuous flowering throughout warm months with minimal deadheading required, making it useful for consistent color in containers and edging where other annuals might flag. Unlike taller lobelias suited to borders, this compact, mounding form adapts well to shallow containers and hanging situations with limited root space. Its fine texture provides visual contrast to bolder foliage plants in mixed plantings.
Watch out for
This plant performs best with consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought well; soil that dries completely between waterings will cause flowering to pause or decline. In very hot climates, afternoon shade helps prevent stress and extends bloom, as full sun in extreme heat can reduce flower production.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Campanulaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Lobelia erinus is a tender annual with delicate, colorful flowers in blue, purple, pink, or white that bloom profusely throughout summer. Its compact, mounding or trailing habit makes it ideal for borders, hanging baskets, and containers.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lobelia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lobelia erinus offers reliable, continuous flowering throughout warm months with minimal deadheading required, making it useful for consistent color in containers and edging where other annuals might flag. Unlike taller lobelias suited to borders, this compact, mounding form adapts well to shallow containers and hanging situations with limited root space. Its fine texture provides visual contrast to bolder foliage plants in mixed plantings.
Watch out for
This plant performs best with consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought well; soil that dries completely between waterings will cause flowering to pause or decline. In very hot climates, afternoon shade helps prevent stress and extends bloom, as full sun in extreme heat can reduce flower production.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Campanulaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.