Lobelia
ExplorePlants
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
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
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
Ability
Pollinator Magnet
Lobelia has brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers that attract busy bees and butterflies, helping the plant make new seeds.
Ability
Bitter Defender
Lobelia contains special compounds called alkaloids that make it taste bitter or harmful, protecting it from hungry munching animals.
Ability
Endless Bloomer
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
- 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
Bell-shaped flowers possess petals fused or arranged to form a cup-like or campanulate structure resembling a bell.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Tube Flower
A tube flower has petals fused together at the base, forming a distinct tubular structure that typically holds nectar deep within.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Edging LobeliaTrailing Lobelia
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Lobelia?
10-20 cm
How wide does Lobelia spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Lobelia?
1-2 cm
When does Lobelia bloom?
Spring to Autumn
Is Lobelia edible?
No
Is Lobelia toxic?
Moderate
What is Lobelia's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Lobelia pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
