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    • Photo of Lobelia tupa foliage by Secret Garden Growers

    Photo by Secret Garden Growers

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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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

    4 inch pot | $17

    Ships USPS, based on weight/location

    Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

    Big Fella 4”x 6” | $26.95

    Buy button links to nursery site for checkout

    Fewer than 20 at Waltzing Matilija

    More Options

    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

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    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.

    By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

    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

    By: Arrowhead Alpines

    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.

    By: Native Sons

    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.

    By: Far Reaches Farm

    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!

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Robust clump forming perennial. Two foot racemes of red flowers. Cut back in fall. Hummingbirds!

    By: Thompson's Nursery

    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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