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compact lobelia

Looking for the perfect addition to your small space garden or container arrangement? Compact lobelia varieties offer a stunning display of colour in a conveniently petite package. These dainty yet resilient plants thrive in New Zealand conditions, bringing vibrant blues, purples, and reds to borders, baskets, and groundcovers. With their low-growing habit and long-lasting blooms, compact lobelia are an excellent choice for anyone seeking to make the most of their available space without sacrificing beauty or pollinator interest. Let’s explore what makes compact lobelia such a garden favourite and how you can best integrate them into your planting schemes.

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

5 from 1 customers

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its small, glossy green leaves and rounded growth habit make it an attractive feature year round. Highly tolerant of wind, salt, and coastal exposure, it is perfectly suited to NZ gardens. Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a versatile choice for borders, coastal landscapes, or as a standout container specimen.

From $515.35

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
hebe-wiri-image-

Hebe 'Wiri Image'

5 from 1 customers

Hebe 'Wiri Image' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of attractive mauve to violet flower spikes that brighten the garden through the flowering season. Its naturally rounded habit and hardy nature make it an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens. It is ideal for borders, low hedging, containers, coastal gardens, and mixed shrub plantings where it provides year round appeal.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock
A Metrosideros 'Tahiti' shrub about 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide with red flowers and lush foliage.
Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

Metrosideros 'Tahiti', commonly known as Dwarf Pohutukawa, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red flowers and silver-green foliage...

From$28.91
alstroemeria-inca-rio-
Alstroemeria Inca Rio (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Inca Rio is a vibrant, compact perennial that bursts with brilliant orange and golden-yellow blooms from spring through to late autumn...

From$34.95
Alstroemeria 'Inticancha Sunstar' plant in a pot with pink flowers.
Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunstar (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunstar is a compact perennial that dazzles with fiery orange blooms featuring yellow centres and subtle dark markings...

From$34.95
Coprosma acerosa 'Taiko' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Taiko'

Coprosma 'Taiko' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate to deep burgundy foliage and naturally rounded form. This hardy selection...

From$10.95
alstroemeria-inca-ice-
Alstroemeria Inca Ice (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Inca Ice is a compact and elegant perennial featuring soft blush-pink flowers with creamy yellow centres and subtle speckling. It...

From$29.95
Gardenia 'Buttons' small, white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Buttons'

Gardenia 'Buttons' (Miniature Gardenia) is a charming compact evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant creamy white flowers and glossy dark...

From$18.95
Coprosma 'Mini Mac' small, green foliage.
Coprosma 'Mini Mac'

Coprosma 'Mini Mac' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its glossy green foliage and tidy rounded form. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, it...

From$11.95
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

From$299.95
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
hymenosporum-gold-nugget--2
Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget'

Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget' (Dwarf Frangipani) is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant creamy yellow...

From$34.43
Leptospermum 'Nana Huia' shrub with masses of pink flowers.
Leptospermum nana 'Huia'

Leptospermum 'Nana Huia' is a compact, evergreen tea tree admired for its delicate, dark green foliage and rich red spring flowers. Growing to around...

From$27.53
Sophora prostrata 'Little Baby' small plant in a pot.
Sophora 'Little Baby'

Sophora 'Little Baby' is a delightful dwarf kōwhai variety that produces masses of golden yellow flowers in spring. With its compact size and dense...

From$28.91
cuphea-ignea-alba-1
Cuphea hyssopifolia alba

Cuphea hyssopifolia Alba is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its masses of delicate white flowers that bloom continuously through the warmer...

From$21.39
Metrosideros Vibrance red flowers amidst lush foliage on a mature tree.
Metrosideros 'Vibrance'

Metrosideros 'Vibrance' is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its vivid red flowers and dense, silver-green foliage. Typically growing to 4-5...

From$30.29
Lagerstroemia 'Townhouse' specimen tree with masses of white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Lagerstroemia 'Townhouse'

Lagerstroemia ‘Townhouse’ is a compact crepe myrtle selected for its tidy growth habit and reliable summer flowering. This variety is ideal for...

From$515.35
Nandina 'Gulf Stream' plants with yellow-green foliage.
Nandina 'Gulf Stream'

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth is bronze with orange tints and develops colours...

From$19.95
Coprosma repens 'Middlemore' high-quality plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Middlemore'

Coprosma 'Middlemore' is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its dense bright green foliage and compact rounded growth habit. Well suited to...

From$16.95
alstroemeria-summer-holiday-
Alstroemeria Summer Holiday (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Summer Holiday is a stunning compact perennial featuring vibrant coral-pink blooms with golden centres. Flowering continuously from...

From$34.95
Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' shrub with purple flowers.
Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' is a striking bottlebrush renowned for its vivid burgundy red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. Blooming from...

From$27.53
hydrangea-macrophylla-masja-
Hydrangea 'Masja'

Hydrangea 'Masja' is a compact deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant rounded flower heads and lush dark green foliage. Flowering abundantly through...

From$27.95
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Deutzia Compact Pink

Deutzia 'Compact Pink' is a compact deciduous shrub valued for its masses of soft pink flowers that cover the plant during late spring and early...

From$24.77
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Azalea 'Paradise Elfin'

Azalea 'Paradise Elfin' is a compact evergreen azalea prized for its masses of colourful blooms and tidy rounded growth habit. Flowering generously...

From$18.95
Agapanthus 'Agapetite' plant with lush green flowers and elegant white flowers.
Agapanthus 'Agapetite'

Agapanthus 'Agapetite', also known as the Dwarf Agapanthus, is a compact and vibrant perennial ideal for New Zealand gardens. This stunning variety...

From$19.50
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Serissa 'Snowflake'

Serissa 'Snowflake' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its masses of small white flowers and fine textured foliage. Flowering generously...

From$24.77
A Philodendron 'Birkin' with lovely variegated foliage growing as an indoor plant.
Philodendron 'Birkin'

Philodendron 'Birkin' is a striking indoor plant characterised by its deep green leaves, adorned with creamy white pinstripes. It grows upright in a...

From$44.09
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Weigela Apple Blossom

Weigela Apple Blossom is grown for its colourful flowers and columnar growth habit. This compact shrub produces green leaves which are held densely...

From$25.53
Exquisite Magnolia 'Genie' dark purple flowers.
Magnolia 'Genie'

Magnolia 'Genie' is a compact, deciduous magnolia prized for its rich, burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom in early spring. This...

From$270.40
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Helleborus White Magic (Hellebore)

Helleborus 'White Magic' is an early-flowering perennial that produces crisp white blooms in mid to late winter. Its compact size and tidy growth...

From$19.95
Azalea 'Asawa' white and purple flower.
Azalea 'Asawa'

Azalea 'Asawa' is a stunning evergreen azalea admired for its masses of vibrant flowers and compact growth habit. This attractive shrub produces an...

From$18.95
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant' plant with elegant purple and pink flowers.
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant'

'Bee Brilliant' is a variety of Lavender that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of exquisite, small, dark purple flower spikes from spring...

From$25.53
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Alstroemeria, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, and Maple Tree.

Search compact lobelia

Why Choose Compact Lobelia for Your Garden?

Compact lobelia boasts a neat, tidy growth habit, typically staying under 20 cm tall, making it ideal for edging pathways, filling window boxes, or softening the edges of raised beds. Their dense flowering clusters create a vivid carpet effect, often from late spring deep into autumn. Many gardeners opt for compact lobelia for their ease of care and adaptability—they’ll happily flourish in full sun or partial shade and handle container life with grace.

For New Zealand gardeners, compact lobelia fits seamlessly into native planting schemes or contemporary designs. Its profusion of tiny blossoms not only brightens up small spaces but also invites beneficial insects, supporting local pollinators throughout the seasons.

Popular Compact Lobelia Varieties for NZ Gardens

Compact forms of lobelia come in a variety of cultivars, each with unique features to suit your garden’s style. While traditional annual lobelia is widely available, there’s growing interest in hardy native and perennial types that deliver compact form alongside ecological benefits.

If you’re interested in New Zealand native groundcovers, Lobelia angulata (Panakenake) is a superb compact species, beloved for its starry, white flowers and mat-forming habit—perfect for shaded rockeries or as a lawn alternative. For a slightly different texture and appeal, Lobelia puberula and Lobelia angulata Treadwellii provide ground-hugging foliage and delicate blooms, making them excellent companions in mixed native gardens.

Prefer a splash of bold colour? Perennial options such as Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria (Cardinal Flower) offer striking, compact spikes of crimson flowers that thrive at pond margins or moist front borders. Lobelia speciosa brings a dramatic flair with luminous flower spires in shades of blue, purple, or red—perfect for smaller perennial beds.

How to Grow Compact Lobelia

Getting the best out of your compact lobelia is simple with a little preparation. Choose a site with well-draining soil and consistent moisture, as these plants appreciate not drying out completely. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade helps flowers last longer into the season. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering, and refresh tired plants in mid-summer with a light trim.

Compact lobelia is equally at home cascading over pots and hanging baskets or tucking into cracks on stone walls. Their versatility means you can experiment with different planting combinations—for example, mixing Lobelia angulata (Panakenake) with other native groundcovers or spotlighting Lobelia speciosa amid ornamental grasses.

Find Quality Compact Lobelia for Your New Zealand Garden

Enhancing your landscape with colour, texture, and native biodiversity is easy when you select the right compact lobelia for your needs. Explore our range of high-performing varieties like Lobelia angulata (Panakenake), Lobelia puberula, and Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria (Cardinal Flower). With just a little care, you’ll enjoy months of vivid blooms and a lush, inviting garden oasis.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Prunus Falling Snow, Elaeagnus submacrophylla, and Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia?
–The Plant Company

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