Lobelia is a genus of flowering plant consisting of between 360-400 species. The genus is named after the Belgian botanist Matthias de Lobel.
Lobelia is the base form from which many other lobelioid genera are derived. There are many different species of lobelia, varied in size and appearance. Several species are used as ornamental plants in the garden, including Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower), Lobelia siphilitica (Blue Lobelia), Lobelia fulgens, and Lobelia erinus (also known as Edging Lobelia). Lobelia erinus “Riviera Blue Splash” is pictured at the top of this page.
Native Americans used lobelia to treat respiratory and muscle disorders. The species most commonly used in modern herbalism is Lobelia inflata (Indian Tobacco). One species, L. chinensis, is used as one of the fifty fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.
Lobelia erinus has fine, alternate leaves with loose racemes of flowers. Many cultivars are available. The plant has a rounded cascading growth habit. Propagation is from seed or stem cuttings. Light requirement is medium. This is a cool weather annual in our part of the country. Lobelia thrives in partial shade with adequate amounts of water. Height is 4”-8”, and width is 12-18”.
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asteridae
Family: Campanulacae
Genus: Lobelia L.
Species: Lobelia Erinus L.
Sources:
Aggie Horticulture
USDA Plants
Wikipedia