Cut flower
Lobelia
Lobelia erinus
Trailing sapphire clouds that soften every basket edge.
Full to partial
Regular
Rich, moist
Easy
Yes
Ornamental
Annual
Half-hardy
2 L
12 cm
Cut flower
Petunia
Lobelia's trailing habit softens petunia borders while both attract pollinators and thrive in full sun with regular moisture.
Cut flower
Sweet Alyssum
Both low-growing edging plants attract beneficial insects, bloom prolifically in sun, and share drought tolerance once established.
Cut flower
Impatiens (Busy Lizzie)
Shade-loving pair sharing identical moisture preferences; lobelia's trailing habit softens beds while impatiens fill vertical space.
Situations where this plant is a reliable fit — from someone's kitchen sill to a wind-blown rooftop.
Balcony
A few pots on a flat outdoor perch — some sun, some wind.
Hanging basket
Trailing plants overhead — light, dries out fast, wants a soft touch.
Vertical wall pocket
Living-wall pouches or stacked planters — very shallow roots only.
Pallet wall garden
A wooden pallet stood upright and lined with landscape fabric — every slat becomes a shallow salad-or-herb pocket. Cheap, huge productive area, needs frequent watering.
Raised bed
A traditional plot or timber-sided bed — deepest root run, widest planting choice.
Where to source
Get growing in United Kingdom
Shop local first
The best plants come from a real nursery, and the best trowel comes from the old-fashioned ironmonger down the road — people who know their stock and can advise. Try local first, both for the plant and the kit. It keeps small growers and small hardware shops alive.
Searching near London
For pots, compost, seed trays, twine and other kit — Amazon has the essentials if the local option isn't right. Not a plant nursery; use the local map above for the plant itself.
Some links may earn us a small commission — at no cost to you.