Campanulaceae - Botanical Family

Lobelia is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the Campanulaceae family, comprising more than 400 species distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Depending on the species, Lobelias may be annuals, perennials, shrubs, or even small trees, growing in habitats ranging from moist meadows and woodland edges to mountain slopes and wetlands. Their compact habit and profusion of brightly colored flowers have made them popular ornamental plants for borders, containers, hanging baskets, and water gardens.

The flowers are typically two-lipped and appear in shades of vivid blue, violet, purple, red, pink, or white, often covering the plants for an extended blooming season. While compact bedding types usually remain under 12 inches (30 cm) tall, some perennial species can reach 6 feet (1.8 m) or more. Most ornamental Lobelias grow best in full sun to partial shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil, especially in warm climates where afternoon shade helps prolong flowering. Hardy species vary widely, with some thriving in USDA Zones 3-9 and tropical species requiring frost-free conditions. Their nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making Lobelia an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

It is naturally robust, upright, clump-forming perennial with attractive red-purple stems and lance-shaped, downy, grey-green leaves. From the swollen base of each red flower, a clawlike lower lip curls under and a tuft of gray stamens extends upward.

A counter-effect herb for nicotine addiction.

Lobelia tupa should be grown in full sun in an open position, with some shelter from the wind. The soil should be deep, fertile and permanently moist.

A hybrid between Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica. This is a showy and dependable edging plant that is categorized as a perennial. Thick stems grow violet-purple flowered racemes.

Prefers moist, rich soil and will continue to self-sow once established.

The name Ballon Flower is based on the unopened flower buds which look like little balloons.

Good for the Rock garden, border or as a ground cover.

Trachelium caeruleum remains evergreen in our climate but can be treated more as a semi-hardy deciduous perennial elsewhere, possibly tolerating temperatures as low as 0° F or as a long blooming annual in even colder climates.