Lobelia cardinalis 'Chocolate Truffle'PBR
A short-lived, clump-forming perennial to 80cm with upright, leafy stems bearing shiny, lance-shaped, bronzy-brown foliage. Produces spires of vibrant red, two-lipped, tubular flowers from mid-summer to mid-autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Bronze Brown | ||
| Autumn | Red | Bronze Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
Grow in deep, fertile, reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect with a dry winter mulch
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring, or take bud cuttings in mid-summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down faded flower spikes in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown rot and a virus
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