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Lobelia richardsonii hort.

Richardson lobelia

A bushy evergreen perennial with lax trailing shoots, to 10cm tall, with narrow, dark green leaves and 2-lipped, white-throated sky blue flowers in the upper leaf axils

Synonyms
Lobelia erinus 'Richardii'
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Campanulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Lobelia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and showy 2-lipped flowers that may be solitary or in racemes or panicles

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks in spring and early summer and then a high potash fertiliser from midsummer onwards. In containers, use a peat-free multipurpose compost

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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