Lobelia erinus 'Crystal Palace'
‘Crystal Palace’ is a classic bedding lobelia valued for compact plants and deep blue flowers. Bronze‑tinged foliage sets off the blue blooms for strong contrast in cool weather. It performs best in spring and early summer, then rebounds as temperatures fall. It excels in pots, window boxes, and edging where soil stays evenly moist. In hot summers it benefits from afternoon shade and regular watering. It is grown as an annual in North America.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Edging lobelia; annual (tender perennial)
- Height × spread: 4-6 in (10-15 cm) × 8-12 in (20-30 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring to fall in cool summers; slows in midsummer heat
- Color & flower form: Deep blue, small two‑lipped flowers; bronze‑tinged foliage
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in all zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Much shorter and used as a bedding or container plant rather than a border clump.
- Blooms earlier in the season and can flower for months in cool conditions.
- Not winter hardy; used as an annual across North America.
- Prefers evenly moist, cool soils rather than the wet sites favored by Great Blue Lobelia.
Strengths
- Dense flowering on compact plants for crisp edging.
- Contrasting bronze foliage adds depth in plantings.
- Performs well in containers and window boxes.
Care in one minute
- Site and light: sun to part shade; provide afternoon shade where summers are hot.
- Soil and pH: fertile, well‑drained but evenly moist soil; slightly acidic to neutral.
- Watering: keep consistently moist; do not let pots dry out.
- Feeding: light, regular feeding during active growth.
- Grooming: deadhead; shear lightly after heat waves to encourage new bloom.
- Overwintering: discard or protect under glass in frost‑free conditions.
Watch‑outs
- Heat stalls bloom; shear lightly and keep watered for rebloom.
- Sensitive to drought; requires consistent moisture.
- Not frost hardy; protect from late spring frost.
Best uses (tags)
containers, edging, cool‑season color, window boxes
Provenance note
A long‑grown selection of Lobelia erinus notable for deep blue flowers and bronze foliage; recognized with the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Lobelia erinus ‘Crystal Palace’
- University of Florida IFAS Extension – Lobelia erinus (FP351)
- ASPCA – Lobelia (toxicity to pets)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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