Riviera Midnight Blue Lobelia

Riviera Midnight Blue is a compact, mounded lobelia with deep blue flowers for borders, edging and containers. PanAmerican lists it as an early-flowering Riviera selection for partial sun, reaching about 5 inches tall and 8 inches wide; local bloom timing and summer performance vary with climate. ## Garden Use Its rounded form suits the front of a bed, a small-space planting or a container where the blue flowers can be seen close up. The [PanAmerican plant profile](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/039301263003262/lobelia-riviera-midnight-blue/) identifies the exact Riviera Midnight Blue selection and reports early spring and spring flowering. Lobelia erinus is generally treated as an annual in cooler climates; it performs best in cooler weather and may slow or fade in heat. ## Growing Conditions Give it partial sun and organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. Keep the root zone evenly moist rather than allowing it to dry out. Species guidance from [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lobelia-erinus/) describes full sun to part shade, moist well-drained soil and spring flowering; [Illinois Extension](https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/lobelia) recommends watering and shearing after the first flush to help maintain summer bloom. ## Maintenance Water regularly, especially in containers and during warm, dry weather. If the first flowering flush fades, shear lightly, then continue watering; remove spent growth if the plant becomes untidy. North Carolina Extension notes that lobelia can be poisonous if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets likely to chew plants.