Also known as Asian Lobelia · Creeping Lobelia
Chinese Lobelia (Lobelia chinensis) is a low-growing, sprawling herbaceous perennial with small, delicate blue flowers, native to East Asia.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in bright light but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil, avoid waterlogging.
Boggy, Sandy, Loamy
50% intensity
Average to Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler periods but avoid frost.
Aquatic
50% intensity
Moderate Feed
50% intensity
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Edible | No |
Generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top centimeter of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months, but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Pinch back the growing tips in spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
Light pruning can be done anytime to maintain shape and remove any leggy stems.
Chinese Lobelia is easily propagated from seed sown in spring or early summer, either directly outdoors or started indoors a few weeks prior. Cuttings can also be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems in late spring or early summer and rooted in moist potting mix.
Repot young plants annually in spring to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chinese Lobelia (Lobelia chinensis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Lobelia |
| Species | Lobelia chinensis |
Similar in genus Lobelia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
