Lobelia erinus Mrs Clibran - seeds - Trailing Lobelia

Lobelia erinus 'Mrs Cliban' is distinguished by its very contrasting coloured flowers, composed of tiny, deep blue flowers with a small white eye. With its endless, delicate flowering and its compact shape, this annual plant always makes an impression in borders and flower pots where it forms wonderful cushions of an unreal, eye-catching blue. You can also plant this charming lobelia in your flower beds, alongside other annual or perennial plants, preferably in partial shade and in a light soil that will stay moist.

Lobelia erinus 'Mrs Cliban' is a plant of recent horticultural origin from the campanulaceae family. It comes from Lobelia erinus compacta, a South African, tender perennial species, a must-have for container gardening. The numerous highly branched stems of the 'Mrs Cliban' form a small, low and bushy clump, which will not exceed 10-15 cm (4-6in) high with a spread of 20 cm (8in) in one season. Its tiny, evergreen, alternate, oval and slightly crenate leaves, create a beautiful dark green background for the multitude of flowers that bloom for 4 months. The flower spikes bear clusters of flowers as they elongate. Their corollas measure from 0.5 mm (0in) to 2 cm (1in) wide. They are tubular before widely flaring out with a bilateral symmetry. The upper lip is composed of two raised tufts and the lower lip is divided into three larger petals, fused at the base. The throat is a sparkling white, extended by a beautiful equally white spot that contrasts magnificently with the rest of the blue corolla. The flowers are regularly visited by pollinating insects. It is not uncommon for Lobelia erinus to self-seed. The young plants cannot tolerate cold so will need to spend the winter in a bright, frost-free location.

Lobelia 'Mrs Cliban' is perfect for bringing colour and lightness to partially shaded areas of the terrace or garden. It performs well in hanging baskets, pots, borders, and among other bedding plants. It blends in with the pastel shades of pink, mauve, sky blue, or white varieties, also matching the vibrant blooms or multicolored foliage of begonias and the silvery foliage of cineraria maritima. Its exuberant growth will not be overshadowed by more cumbersome neighbours. You can even place it on top of a wall or at the base of your flowering shrubs if you have a small garden. The spectacle of the Lobelia erinus in flower is never tiring, it always surprises. This little plant will surely find a home, near your home.

Attention, these seeds are reserved for experienced gardeners who are used to sowing very fine seeds. These seeds are as fine as dust and barely visible to the naked eye.