Lobelia × speciosa 'Hadspen Purple'PBR

RHS Plant Profile
lobelia 'Hadspen Purple'

Synonyms

Lobelia syphilitica 'Hadspen Purple'
Lobelia 'Hadspen Royal Purple'
Lobelia 'Hadspen Purple'
Lobelia × gerardii 'Hadspen Purple'

Herbaceous Perennial

A semi-evergreen perennial, up to 60cm in height, with upright stems bearing ovate to lance-shaped, purple-flushed, light green leaves. Terminal racemes of two-lipped, bright purple flowers appear from summer into autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Campanulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eatenskin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Lobelia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and showy 2-lipped flowers that may be solitary or in racemes or panicles
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in deep, fertile, reliably moist soil in sun or partial shade. Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer until midsummer and a low nitrogen fertilizer for the remainder of the growing season. Protect the crown of the plant during winter with a thick, dry mulch

Propagation

Divide large clumps of plants every second year in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Cut down faded flower spikes in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to crown rot