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Key characteristics

Family: Campanulaceae
Height: 4-6 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Flower color: Red-orange
Foliage color: Gray-green
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Medium to high
Maintenance: Low; prune dead flower spikes to encourage new growth
Growing zone: 7-10
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; deer resistant

Perennials

Lobelia tupa

Devil’s Tobacco

Lobelia tupa, or Devil's Tobacco, is a striking perennial native to Chile, known for its tall, spiky flower spikes that can reach up to 2 feet, adorned with vibrant red-orange tubular flowers that add bold color to the garden. Its lance-shaped, gray-green foliage adds a soft texture, while the blooms from late summer to fall provide nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. This low-maintenance plant requires occasional pruning of dead flower spikes and is a valuable addition to gardens, particularly for those looking to attract pollinators and add late-season interest.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Medium to high

Bloom time

Late summer to fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.