Care of the shrub Lobelia excelsa or Devil's Tobacco |
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The genus Lobelia, family Campanulaceae, comprises 400 species of perennial and annual herbaceous plants native to Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia. Some species are: Lobelia excelsa, Lobelia erinus, Lobelia laxiflora, Lobelia fulgens, Lobelia tenuior, Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia syphilitica, Lobelia splendens. Common name: Devil's Tobacco. This species is native to Chile. They are evergreen shrubs with erect branches that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have lanceolate, light green leaves. The interesting tubular flowers are bright orange-red in color. They can bloom during spring and summer. They are used to form bushy groups, as informal hedges and as isolated specimens. They attract hummingbirds and other birds and insects. They are not usually grown in pots because they do not resist transplants well. Lobelia excelsa prefers full sun exposure and warm climates. They resist occasional frosts. It's important that the soil has excellent drainage; they can grow in poor, dry soils. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist many days of drought. They do not need pruning. Fertilize with compost in late winter. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate from seeds sown in early spring or late winter and by cuttings from young branches in spring. |
Images of the shrub Lobelia excelsa or Devil's Tobacco |
 Lobelia excelsa  Lobelia excelsa  Lobelia excelsa  Lobelia excelsa |