Botanical name:

Lobelia anceps

Common name(s):

New Zealand lobelia, shore lobelia

About:

A low-growing plant that reaches a height of approximately 10 cm, it features short, narrow, oblong leaves and produces tiny mauve flowers that bloom from spring through to autumn. This resilient plant is commonly found in coastal regions and lowland areas throughout the entirety of New Zealand. It is generally unfussy about soil conditions but tends to thrive best when placed in a sunny spot where it can receive ample light.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland. Usually in exposed sites on rocky shores, cobble beaches, cliff faces, at the back of salt-marshes in and around seepages. Also along riversides and around inland lakes and/or in seepages within open lowland forest.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Kermadec, Three Kings, North, South and Chatham Islands. Also present in Australia, South America (Chile) and South Africa

Height: 10cm

Flowering: 

August – May with a white- bluish coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October - August

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Ground cover

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, stem cuttings and rooted pieces. Some forms are rather colourful. However, as a rule a little nondescript and weedy for most gardens.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.