Lobelia “White Lady” is a compact edging plant adorned with many small glistening white flowers. An interesting alternative to the traditional blue Lobelias, it will provide a long lasting and stunning display from late spring through to early autumn. They are also excellent for tubs, window boxes and planters.

Lobelia erinus is a compact, bedding variety of Lobelia, which forms dense, brilliant mounds about six-inches tall. It is ideally suited for use as a ground cover, an edging plant along sunny or partially-shaded pathways, tucked into rock gardens, or artfully blended together in lush masses of mixed colours. Blur your vision while looking at such a planting and you’ll think you’ve slipped into a Monet canvas!

Please note white lobelia varieties may contain a small proportion of blue flowers. They are inevitably produced - it's nature, not our carelessness!

Lobelia erinus is a species of Lobelia native to southern Africa, from Malawi and Namibia south to South Africa. It is perennial in subtropical climates and grown as an annual in colder areas.

Timing:
Sow indoors in late winter to late spring.
Sowing to flowering is about 16 weeks; they will flower happily until the first signs of winter. To get the most from your plants, sow early in the year. However, they have such a long flowering period, if temperatures are around 15-20°C (60-70°F) while they germinate, they can be sown up to late spring

Sowing:
Almost fill a seed tray or pot with moist seed compost. Stand the tray in water until moist and then drain off the excess water.
Sow seeds thinly over the surface and lightly press them into the compost. Do not cover them with soil as they need light to germinate
Place in warmth 15-20°C (60-70°F), and keep moist. Germination will take 10 to 14 days.

Transplanting:
Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from bright sun. When large enough to handle (usually after 5-6 weeks) transplant 5cm (2”) apart into trays of potting compost.
It is easier to transplant little clumps of Lobelia seedlings than to try to transplant single seedlings.

Planting out:
Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out when danger of frost has passed, usually from the end of May.
The plants will spread so allow 15cm (6in) between plants.
When the plant goes dry it dies back, and if this happens cut it back and it should produce a second flush of growth, this is also done when the plant becomes spindly

Plant Uses:
City/Courtyard Gardens, Cottage/Informal Garden, Flowers Borders and Beds or Patio/Container Plants. Trellis and screens. Edging plants, tubs, baskets and window boxes.

Origin:
Lobelia erinus is a species of Lobelia native to southern Africa, from Malawi and Namibia south to South Africa. It is perennial in subtropical climates and grown as an annual in colder areas.

Nomenclature: Lobelia is named after Mathias de l'Obel, botanist and physician for James I of England in 16th century. erinus is the Greek name of another plant.