Lobelia tupa
devil's tobacco
A woody-based perennial with upright stems to 2m tall, bearing narrow, hairy, grey-green leaves to 30cm long, and terminal racemes of tubular, bright red flowers 6cm long in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Chile
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained but fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in late winter. Basal cuttings may be possible, but few are produced
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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