Chinese creeping lobelia (Lobelia chinensis)
Lobelia chinensis is a rapid spreading, low-growing perennial perfect for wet areas, featuring pale pink to white blooms from mid-summer to fall.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lobelia chinensis, commonly known as Chinese creeping lobelia, offers excellent coverage with its exceptionally low habit and rapid spread via creeping stems. This tiny-leaved herbaceous perennial is highly valued for its ability to quickly colonize moist or boggy areas, establishing a dense, attractive green carpet throughout the growing season. Its delicate, pale pink to white flowers bloom profusely from mid-summer well into autumn, providing late-season color interest.
Although native to damp environments across Eastern Asia, this species adapts well to average garden soils provided consistent moisture is maintained. Gardeners appreciate the unique structure of Lobelia chinensis as a fast-acting ground cover for hard-to-manage wet borders or stream edges. While beautiful, be aware that this Lobelia has the potential to spread aggressively via runners and self-seeding.
Beyond its aesthetic value in the landscape, Chinese creeping lobelia holds significance as one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. For gardeners prioritizing native or adapted water-loving plants, Lobelia chinensis presents a vigorous and charming option for low-maintenance ground stabilization.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Campanulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Eastern Asia, South Africa
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 1-3 ft
- Bloom Time: July to October
- Bloom Description: Pale pink to white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Chinese creeping lobelia is best done in spring after the threat of hard frost has passed, establishing it in predictable locations where its creeping stems can be monitored. The ideal spot features rich soil that retains moisture consistently, placing it near pond margins, bog gardens, or along stream banks. While this species tolerates full sun, providing afternoon shade will prevent scorching during the hottest parts of the summer, especially in warmer zones.
Watering is non-negotiable for vigorous growth; Lobelia chinensis requires constant moisture, thriving best in wet soil conditions, though it can manage average soils if they never fully dry out. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is naturally rich. If planting in cold winter spots, such as those bordering Zone 6, apply a root mulch in late fall. This mulch protects the root system and prevents damaging root heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
Be mindful of its vigorous nature; this Lobelia has the potential to spread invasively through both creeping stems and self-seeding when conditions are optimal. Regular monitoring ensures it stays contained within its intended area, preventing it from overwhelming less vigorous neighbors.
Landscape Uses
The primary strength of Chinese creeping lobelia lies in its low, mat-forming habit, making it an outstanding spreading ground cover. It effectively suppresses weeds while softening the harsh edges of water features, making it perfect for planting along pond margins or directly into bog gardens where consistent saturation is assured. Due to its ability to trail, Lobelia chinensis also performs beautifully when given room to spill over the sides of hanging pots or tall containers, providing lush, cascading green foliage tipped with small flowers.
For naturalizing large, moist areas, this plant spreads rapidly to cover bare soil quickly. When choosing companions, select other moisture-loving perennials that share a need for consistent water but whose habits won’t be smothered by the aggressive spread of the lobelia. Consider pairing it with Iris species, Astilboides, or moisture-loving ferns that offer structural contrast.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lobelia chinensis, commonly called Chinese lobelia or creeping lobelia, is a low-growing, tiny-leaved, herbaceous perennial that typically forms an attractive ground cover rising to only 2-3” tall but spreading rapidly by creeping decumbent stems to 36” wide. It is native to paddy fields, moist meadows, bogs, stream banks and among wet grasses in China, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Malaysia. Its pale pink to white, solitary flowers bloom from the leaf axils from July to October, featuring distinctive flattened lobes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
This plant generally avoids serious insect or disease issues, simplifying its long-term care in the garden. The primary physical threat to the foliage often comes from terrestrial mollusks. Snails and slugs may be attracted to the leaves, particularly when the plant is young or when conditions are damp. Routine preventative scouting, especially early in the growing season, and implementing organic slug baits if necessary, will keep the foliage pristine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Chinese creeping lobelia suitable for?
Lobelia chinensis thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9, though winter root protection is recommended in the colder end of that range.
How large does Chinese creeping lobelia grow?
This ground cover typically remains very short, reaching only 0.25 to 0.5 feet in height while spreading aggressively outward from 1 to 3 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Lobelia chinensis need?
For best performance, plant Lobelia chinensis where it receives full sun to part shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in very hot summer climates.
When does Chinese creeping lobelia bloom?
This Lobelia offers extended color, flowering typically from July well into October with delicate pale pink to white blossoms.
Conclusion
The Lobelia chinensis is a vigorous, low-profile choice for gardeners needing to stabilize wet soil or soften pond borders with dense, quickly spreading foliage. Take advantage of the late-season color provided by this unique Chinese creeping lobelia, but remember to respect its potential to colonize widely. Always ensure adequate moisture and check your regional USDA zone compatibility before planting this versatile perennial.
Companion Planting
When utilizing Lobelia chinensis in a bog garden setting, pairing it with taller, structural plants prevents it from completely obscuring its neighbors. Ferns that love high moisture, such as Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) or Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), provide excellent vertical contrast to the creeping ground cover. For color, consider grouping it with purple-flowered moisture-loving plants like Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium species) or taller Sanguisorba varieties, ensuring all residents share the medium to wet water requirement that the Lobelia chinensis demands.
Wildlife Benefits
The small, uniquely structured flowers of Chinese creeping lobelia are excellent attractors for small pollinators active late in the season. Hummingbirds readily visit the blooms when other nectar sources may be waning in late summer. Furthermore, the dense mat formed by the creeping stems of this Lobelia offers excellent low cover for ground-dwelling insects and small amphibians commonly found near water edges. Planting this species fulfills the dual role of providing aesthetic ground cover and functional support for local wildlife.
