Columbus Dispatch: Native Plant: Colors explode in the garden with great blue lobelia Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a tender perennial widely grown as an annual plant in most USDA zones. It is commonly sold in the annuals section of the nursery and has a wide variety of uses in the garden. Lobelia is a flowering plant long used as an herbal remedy.

Understanding the Context

Here’s a comprehensive review of lobelia, including its benefits, dosage, and side effects. Lobelia bloom time ranges from spring to fall, though it flowers best during cooler months. These versatile flowering plants can be used in hanging baskets, window boxes, for pathway or border edging, in mass plantings, or wherever a cheerful splash of color is needed. There are more than 400 species that include upright and mounding lobelias, annuals, half-hardy annuals, perennials, and even shrubs and aquatic plants.

Key Insights

And although cobalt blue may be their signature hue, you’ll also find lobelia flowers in scarlet red, lilac, rose, and vibrant tropical colors. A lovely plant with bright blue to purple blossoms, the trailing lobelia flower is a perfect choice for filling in around garden beds, driveways and borders. It’s easy to grow and depending on your zone, can be an annual or perennial. Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants in the bellflower family, also known as Campanulaceae. It is most well-known for its various hues of sky-blue and cobalt-colored flowers, which are remarkably rare in botany.

Final Thoughts

Lobelia, genus of more than 400 species of flowering plants in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) native to nearly all the temperate and warmer regions of the world, except central and eastern Europe and western Asia. A number are cultivated as ornamentals for their attractive flowers. Plant expert Jonny Bruce gives his advice on growing lobelia, and recommends the best varieties of lobelia to grow.