Lobelia erinus

Sunset

Lobelia erinus

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Zones A1-A3, 1-45, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Annual Lobelia
Campanulaceae (Lobeliaceae)
Annuals

LOBELIA

All are grown for their tubular, lipped flowers, which resemble those of honeysuckle (Lonicera) or Salvia. Annual kinds are low plants for edgings or hanging baskets; perennial sorts are larger, vertical-growing plants with flowering stalks that rise above the foliage.

Lobelia erinus

From South Africa. Popular, dependable edging plant 3 to 6 in. high. Compact forms reach 5–9 in. wide; trailing types spread to 1 1/2 ft. Leafy, branching stems with green or bronzy green foliage. Blooms from early summer to frost, bearing 3/4-in.-wide flowers in light blue to violet (sometimes pink, reddish purple, or white) with white or yellowish throats. Lives over winter in mild climates. In mild-winter, hot-summer regions, grow it as a winter-to-spring annual.