Is the Lobelia Plant an Annual or a Perennial?
Lobelia is a perennial plant that is often considered an annual because growing conditions must be perfect for it to survive to rebloom another year. More than 360 species of lobelia are grown as annuals, perennials or shrubs.
Lobelia Erinus
The trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is the plant most commonly found growing along the edge of the flower bed. It may be treated as a perennial or an annual plant, depending on the climate of the location in which it is grown. With perfect growing conditions, it will grow year after year. In harsh climates it will die after flowering and setting seeds.
Lobelia Siphilitica
The great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is considered a perennial herb. It has erect stems, ranges from 2 to 3 feet in height, and blooms in late summer.
Lobelia Inflata
Often called Indian tobacco, Lobelia inflata is considered a poisonous annual plant. It is said that Native Americans chewed and smoked the leaves of the Lobelia inflata. Hence, the nickname. This type of lobelia can survive in poor soil.
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Patrice Campbell, a graduate of Skagit Valley College, has more than 20 years of writing experience. She has worked as a news reporter and features writer for the "Florence Mining News" and the "Wild Rivers Guide," penned promotional material for various businesses and charities, and written for various websites.
