lobelia plant in pot Lobelia laxiflora (Mexican Lobelia) – Charsaw Farms

lobelia plant in pot Lobelia laxiflora (Mexican Lobelia) – Charsaw FarmsMexican Lobelia is a long blooming perennial known for its vivid red orange flowers and strong appeal to hummingbirds. Native to Mexico, Lobelia laxiflora has slender green foliage and spreads gradually by underground runners, forming loose, natural looking colonies rather than tight clumps. The tubular flowers are highly visible and bloom over a long season, especially in warm climates. Once established, this plant is well adapted to dry, low

Mexican Lobelia is a long-blooming perennial known for its vivid red-orange flowers and strong appeal to hummingbirds. Native to Mexico, Lobelia laxiflora has slender green foliage and spreads gradually by underground runners, forming loose, natural-looking colonies rather than tight clumps.

The tubular flowers are highly visible and bloom over a long season, especially in warm climates. Once established, this plant is well adapted to dry, low-nutrient soils and performs reliably with minimal care. Its informal habit makes it a good fit for naturalistic plantings where movement and wildlife value are priorities.

WHY GARDENERS LOVE IT 

• Bright red-orange tubular flowers
• Excellent hummingbird plant
• Long bloom period
• Tolerant of dry, lean soils once established
• Spreads gently by underground runners
• Well suited to warm-climate gardens

HOW IT GROWS

• Plant type: Deciduous or herbaceous perennial
• Sun: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Well-drained, low-fertility soils
• Water: Low to moderate once established
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10
• Growth habit: Upright to arching, spreading by subterranean runners

SIZE & BLOOM

• Height × Width: ~2 ft. × 1.5 ft.
• Flower color: Red-orange
• Bloom time: Late spring through summer (often extended in warm climates)
• Wildlife value: Hummingbirds 

PLANTING TIPS

• Plant in full sun for best flowering
• Allow room for slow, natural spreading
• Water regularly during the first growing season
• Avoid rich soils or heavy fertilization

CARE MADE EASY

• Cut back spent stems to encourage fresh growth
• Divide or thin runners if plants spread beyond desired areas
• Cut back in late fall or early spring
• Minimal supplemental water once established

BEST USES

• Hummingbird gardens
• Dry or low-input landscapes
• Natural and informal borders
• Warm-climate perennial beds
• Pollinator-focused plantings 

HOW TO KNOW IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Choose Mexican Lobelia if you:

• Want a reliable hummingbird plant
• Garden in a warm climate
• Prefer plants that handle dry, lean soils
• Like a natural, spreading growth habit