Chinese Lobelia
Lobelia chinensis
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
4 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East and Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Lobelia chinensis is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial with delicate, lance-shaped green leaves and small, vibrant blue to purple tubular flowers that attract pollinators and create a charming ground cover. This species is valued for its medicinal properties in traditional herbal medicine and its ability to thrive in moist, shaded environments with minimal maintenance.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
- Place in partial shade for best flowering.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.
- Pinch back to promote bushiness in early summer.
- Divide in early spring every 2-3 years.
Pro Tip
Use rich, moist soil and provide partial shade for vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t over-fertilize to prevent leggy growth
- Keep away from overly sunny, dry spots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Chinese Lobelia questions
What zones can Chinese Lobelia grow in?
Chinese Lobelia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Chinese Lobelia deer resistant?
Yes — Chinese Lobelia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Chinese Lobelia bloom?
Chinese Lobelia typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Chinese Lobelia need full sun?
Chinese Lobelia does best in part shade.
More Lobelia to compare
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Fan Cinnabar Rose Lobelia
Lobelia x speciosa 'Fan Cinnabar Rose'
Hybrid Cardinal Flower
Lobelia x speciosa 'Compliment Violet'
Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles'
Cardinal Flower Deep Rose
Lobelia cardinalis 'Deep Rose'
Cardinal Flower 'Black Truffle'
Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Chinese Lobelia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
