Botanical name:

Lobelia linnaeoides

Common name(s):

Mountain lobelia

About:

This is a creeping plant that thrives in montane to alpine areas of the South Island. It features small, rounded leaves that have slightly dentate edges and often exhibit lovely purplish tonings. During the summer months, it bears delicate, small flowers that are white on the inside and beautifully flushed with pink on the outside. This plant makes a useful and attractive ground-cover option for a sunny spot in gardens or landscapes.

Natural habitat:

Higher montane to alpine grassland and shrub-land, often on patches of bare ground

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island from Marlborough to Southland.

Height: 15cm

Flowering: 

December – February with a white- pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – April

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from rooted pieces and fresh seed. Prefers a cool root run. Dislikes humidity. Best in a free draining site within a rock garden or grown within a pot in an alpine house.

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