Tulip Winter Aconite Click here for a printer friendly version of this page. Lobelia was introduced more than 200 years ago from the region around the Cape of Good Hope. The original wild forms of lobelia have been bred to bloom more profusely. There are both trailing varieties, with billowing masses of blossoms, and more compact bedding types, seldom exceeding 6 inches in height.
Lobelia is prized for window boxes, hanging baskets, planters, and ground covers.
Although the plants do best in full sun and moist, rich soil where summers are cool, they will grow surprisingly well in hot areas if given partial shade. Lobelia is not sown directly in the garden because it does not begin to flower until two months after seed is planted. Most nurseries and garden supply stores offer started plants already in bloom. Transplant after all danger of frost is past, spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart. Rosamund' is the pictured cultivar.