Species Chinese creeping lobelia
White flower with lime-green center, green leaves and stems

Chinese creeping lobelia

Lobelia chinensis

Chinese creeping lobelia (Lobelia chinensis) is an ornamental creeping plant native to Asia. This species produces small, delicate flowers of blue, white, or purple in spikes. Its foliage is shiny and dark green, with ovate leaves and a prostrate habit. This species prefers well-drained, neutral to acidic soils and is tolerant to drought and shade. It's an excellent choice for groundcover, rock gardens, and trough gardens. Once established, it requires little maintenance, but may need to be deadheaded to prolong flowering. Chinese creeping lobelia provides a carpet of color in summer or a vibrant backdrop to other more dominant perennial plants.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Pale pink to white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Chinese Creeping Lobelia (Lobelia chinensis) should be watered regularly, depending on the growing season. During spring, summer and fall, the plant should be watered about once a week. During hot weather, the soil should be kept moist. In winter, water sparingly and as needed, since plants are less active during this time of year. Over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to fungus and root rot. As a guideline, ensure that sufficient water penetrates the soil 8 to 12 inches deep.

sunlight

Chinese creeping lobelia plants require full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants will grow during any time during the day, as long as they receive the recommended sunlight hours. If possible, they should be placed in a location that receives direct sunlight during the morning hours, as this will give them a greater opportunity for photosynthesis and growth. During the hottest months of the summer, it is best to provide some shade during the midday, to protect them from the intense heat of the sun.

pruning

Chinese creeping lobelia (Lobelia chinensis) should be pruned 2 to 3 times a year to encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before it starts to grow, and again in midsummer after the flower has faded. For heavily overgrown plants, it may be necessary to prune back the entire plant for a more controlled shape. Pruning should be done with sharp pruners or scissors, cutting back just above a healthy bud or leaf node. It is important to prune the plant in a way that removes dead or damaged parts of the plant, while maintaining the overall shape of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Chinese creeping lobelia typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Chinese creeping lobelia typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map