Lobelia erinus

Lobelia erinus — trailing garden lobelia

Lobelia erinus is the botanical name for the trailing garden lobelia, the cloud of tiny, intensely blue (and white and violet) flowers that spills from baskets and edges borders all summer. It is the species behind our lobelia range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Native to southern Africa, lobelia was introduced to European gardens in the eighteenth century and quickly became one of the most popular edging and basket plants of the Victorian era, a role it has held ever since.

The genus honours Matthias de l'Obel, a Flemish botanist and physician to James I of England; the species name erinus is an old Greek plant name borrowed for the genus.

Botanical characteristics

A tender perennial grown as an annual, lobelia forms low, spreading mounds or trailing curtains smothered in small, two-lipped flowers, often with a white or yellow eye. Compact and trailing forms alike are perfect for containers, making it a mainstay of our container-friendly flowers and a classic ground-cover edging.

Growing Lobelia erinus from seed

Sow under cover in late winter or early spring; the seed is tiny, so press it onto the surface and do not cover. Germinate warm, prick out in small clumps, and plant out after the last frost in sun or part shade. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow lobelia? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Lobelia · Container Flowers · Ground-Cover Flowers · Blue Flowers · All Flower Seeds

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