Lobelia

Lobelia erinus

Lobelia produces beautiful blue and purple flowers that look like tiny bells. They are perfect for hanging baskets!

Habitat: Gardens and containers

Appearance

The Lobelia has an abundance of tiny, vibrant blue, purple, or white flowers with contrasting white 'eyes'. Its delicate stems form a low-growing or trailing mound, creating a colourful carpet or waterfall of blooms that really stand out.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyCampanulaceaeGenusLobelia

Lobelia

Interesting facts

Even though they look delicate, some Lobelia can survive chilly weather, even a light frost!

Lobelia's teeny-tiny seeds are sometimes so small, you need a magnifying glass to see them!

Some Lobelia species can grow huge, reaching over 6 feet tall, towering like flowery giants!

The name 'Lobelia' honors a famous plant explorer, Matthias de l'Obel, who loved plants!

Special abilities

Lobelia has brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers that attract busy bees and butterflies, helping the plant make new seeds.

Lobelia contains special compounds called alkaloids that make it taste bitter or harmful, protecting it from hungry munching animals.

Lobelia can quickly re-bloom after old flowers fade, helping it produce many seeds and spread its plant babies widely.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-20 cm
Spread: 15-30 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to Autumn
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Moderate
Lifecycle: Annual
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen for its hive.

pollinates

Painted Lady butterfly

Vanessa cardui

Sips nectar, carrying pollen to other flowers.

eats

Spanish slug

Arion lusitanicus

Munching on leaves, especially young Lobelia plants.

Traits

Bell-Shaped Flower

Look for beautiful flowers that have petals shaped just like a charming little bell! They often nod gently, adding beauty to gardens and wild spaces.

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Tube Flower

Discover unique flowers shaped like long, slender tubes, often attracting special pollinators like hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!