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Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Back, middle
Shade Type:
Damp

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Clay / Heavy / Moist

Lobelia tupa is an unusual and eye-catching plant that hails from Chile, where it can reach 2.5m tall. It's grown for its dramatic, downy foliage similar those of tobacco (hence it's common name, Devil's Tobacco), held on dark red-purple stem. It's also grown for its blood red, tubular flowers.

Almost hardy, it likes a moist soil. It is best grown in a sheltered, sunny garden, and may need protection in hard winters.

Grow Lobelia tupa in a jungle-style or exotic border, or in an urban garden to dramatic effect.

Read our full guide on how to grow lobelia.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyes
Divideyesyes
Pruneyes

Lobelia ‘Tupa’ and wildlife

Lobelia ‘Tupa’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Lobelia ‘Tupa’ poisonous?

Lobelia ‘Tupa’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
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