Photo of Lobelia tupa foliage by Secret Garden Growers

Photo by Secret Garden Growers

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Buy Lobelia tupa

Also Known As

  • Devil's tobacco
  • Tabaco del Diablo

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'-8'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

Big Fella 4”x 6” | $26.95

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Fewer than 20 at Waltzing Matilija

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Lobelia tupa plant details

Lobelia tupa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with blue and green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lobelia tupa

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: campanulaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: showy, tropical-looking, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lobelia tupa

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bold and brazen with 6-8’ upright stems covered in very handsome olive green, large leaves...spreading to 3-4’ wide. Stems are topped in late summer with unusual brick red-orange blooms...this plant is NOT a shrinking violet and had a decidedly tropicalissimo look.! Pair it with Melianthus in full sun, decent soil; will need some summer water. Appreciates a protected spot, we find getting it thru its first winter is the hardest! Sublime! USDA Z8
This gorgeous and architectural Chilean native lobelia rises to heights of six feet with creamy greyish green foliage and luscious lipstick red tubular flowers that last for ages and ages. A plant I wouldn't be without in my own garden.
Basal rosettes of soft foliage send forth numerous stems bearing brilliant red flowers waving up to 2.5m in height, individual flowers are thick and fleshy and up to 6cm in length. Tupa is a spectacular plant that we have grown for years but until now have been unable to produce in sufficient numbers to list. Don't miss this chance to own one of the world's truly fantastic perennials. ZONE 6
Clumping perennial to 6' with a 3' spread. The large spikes of brick-red flowers offer a charming contrast to the olive-gray foliage in summer and fall. Best in a sheltered, sunny site. Hardy to 25F. Chile.
Amazing Chilean Lobelia that is perfectly hardy, especially if you mulch it during nasty cold snaps. This gets multiple stalks to 7' high with spires of tubular red flowers for weeks which beckon Hummingbirds from afar. Highly dramatic and surprisingly easy. Good rich soil.
Lusciously showy, this tropicalesque Lobelia, is native to Chile & puts on its flower show July through October, with long, 18” spikes of brick-red to almost scarlet 2.5” flowers. The flowers aren’t the only groovy thing going on with this plant. Lance shaped, pale green, plush leaves contrast beautifully on purple-red stems. A unique specimen for well drained soil. To 5’x3’. Hardy to 10 degrees.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Another gift from Chile this hardy lobelia has exotic, tropical looking vermillion flowers in mid summer on 7-10 foot stems. Spreads to form a colony. Drought tolerant!
Robust clump forming perennial. Two foot racemes of red flowers. Cut back in fall. Hummingbirds!

Gardening facts about Lobelia tupa plant

How to Grow Lobelia tupa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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