Grant Plant Pick: Lobelia tupa

Published 4:20 pm Tuesday, August 11, 2015

What: This amazing perennial is unlike any other lobelia you might have grown. A robust clump of broad strappy leaves gives way to tall flowers spikes reaching 6 to 8 feet tall with clusters of brilliant red, tropical looking flowers. The flowers bloom in mid- to late summer and open over a long period of time.

Where: This deciduous perennial needs full sun to thrive. It prefers a sandy soil, but any well-drained soil will suffice. Avoid heavy clay and winter wet locations. Once the flowers are finished the seed can be allowed to ripen. It can gently reseed if the conditions are right. If no seed is desired the seed heads can be cut off. Cut to the ground once the foliage begins to fade in autumn.

Size: Reaches a height of 8 feet with a spread of 4 feet.

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