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Plant Profiles / Lobelia
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Lobelia
Lobelia erinus · Edging lobelia
Clouds of tiny vivid blue, purple or white flowers trailing from baskets and pot edges.
Sun to part shadeLight
Keep moistWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Afternoon shade.
Water
Keep moist
DryWet
Even.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
5–28°C (41–82°F)
CoolWarm
Cool.
Growth
Moderate
SlowFast
10–20 cm.
Soil
Potting mix
LeanRich
Moist.
Fertiliser
Fortnightly
RarelyOften
Liquid.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Alkaloids.
About this plant
Native to southern Africa. Prefers cool weather; trim in summer heat.
Best spots
Hanging baskets, window boxes and pot edges.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Lobelia erinus |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Origin | Southern Africa |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Mature size | 10–20 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Tiny blue |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Trim
FloweringTrim
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Heat stall | Shade. |
| Dry | Water. |
| Leggy | Trim. |
| Rot | Wet. |
| Few | Feed. |
Common questions
Heat?
Struggles.
Toxic?
Yes.
Basket?
Yes.
Colour?
Blue.
