Fauna
Flower

Garden Lobelia

Lobelia erinus

Also known as Edging Lobelia, Trailing Lobelia, Compact Lobelia

Garden lobelias cushion garden borders and hanging baskets with a dense tapestry of electric blue, violet, or white blossoms. Native to damp soils in southern Africa, these tender perennials are cultivated as annuals across temperate regions, blooming heavily from spring through autumn. Their delicate nectar-rich flowers provide an important food source for small native bees and hovering butterflies.

FloweringOrnamentalColorful
Garden Lobelia reference1 / 7
(c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Aphids
ThreatsExtreme heat, severe drought, winter frost
HabitatsDamp grasslands, stream banks, gardens, cultivated borders
Life span1–3 years (perennial in warm climates; grown as annual elsewhere)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyCampanulaceae
  3. GenusLobelia
  4. SpeciesLobelia erinus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains toxic alkaloids harmful if ingested; keep away from pets and children.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic pyridine alkaloids, primarily lobeline, which cause severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmias if consumed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by low, trailing stems dense with asymmetrical fan-like flowers featuring three large lower petals.
What to do
Keep plants away from livestock and pets, and wash hands after heavy pruning.
Responsible observation
  • Growing Conditions: Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soil with morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • Pruning Care: Shear back spent foliage after the first main flush to encourage fresh blooms.
  • Pet Safety: Position containers out of reach of curious dogs and cats.
Related species
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