Lobelia excelsa
A sparsely branched, evergreen shrub to 1.5m, with dark, upright stems bearing whorls of bright or greyish-green leaves. In summer bears terminal spikes of orange-red, tubular flowers up to 8cm long, very attractive to hummingbirds in its native Chile
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position with little or no frost
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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