Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

white lobelia plants

White lobelia plants, known botanically as Lobelia angulata, are a delightful choice for gardeners seeking a delicate native groundcover or a beautiful addition to woodland or shade gardens. This charming New Zealand native, sometimes fondly called "pānakenake", is renowned for its dainty white flowers, fresh green foliage, and ability to thrive in shady spots where few other plants can flourish. Lobelia angulata is a herbaceous perennial that forms lovely mats, perfect for softening path edges, filling in between stepping stones, or adding a layer of interest beneath taller shrubs.

Lobelia angulata (Panakenake)

Panakenake

Lobelia angulata is a charming NZ native groundcover admired for its small, bright green leaves and delicate white star shaped flowers that bloom through spring and summer. This creeping perennial quickly spreads to form a dense mat, making it ideal for filling gaps in rockeries, between pavers, or as an underplanting. Hardy and low maintenance, it adds subtle beauty and resilience to NZ gardens while supporting biodiversity in naturalistic landscapes.

Lobelia angulata plant with green foliage and elegant white flowers.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Groundcover Plants
  • Height:
    10 cm
  • Spread:
    2.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
lobelia-queen-victoria-
Most Popular

Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'

Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' (Cardinal Flower) is a striking perennial admired for its rich burgundy foliage and vivid red flower spikes. This bold plant...

lobelia-country-park-3
Most Popular

Lobelia pedunculata Country Park

“Country Park” is a fast growing groundcover. This vigorous plant grows as a mat with the horizontal stems forming roots wherever they come in...

Lobelia giberroa plant with lush, green leaves in a forest.
Most Popular

Lobelia giberroa

Lobelia giberroa (Giant Lobelia) is a dramatic perennial valued for its large bold foliage and towering flower spikes that create a strong...

Lobelia speciosa plant with purple flowers amidst green foliage.
Most Popular

Lobelia speciosa

Lobelia speciosa is a striking perennial plant valued for its upright flower spikes and vivid summer colour. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, it...

pratia-puberula-
Most Popular

Lobelia puberula

Lobelia puberula is a NZ native that is often grown as a hardy groundcover. The small leaves on this plant give the appearance of a lush, green...

Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Most Popular

Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$20.18
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Most Popular

Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$18.23
dymondia-margaretae-2
Most Popular

Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet)

Dymondia margaretae is a popular choice known for its commonly known as Silver Carpet, is a low growing, groundcover plant. It produces narrow leaves...

From$19.58
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
Most Popular

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

From$21.53
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Most Popular

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.23
Lobelia angulata (Panakenake)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Lobelia or Groundcover Plants.

Search Lobelia angulata (Panakenake)

Why Choose White Lobelia Plants (Lobelia angulata)?

If you’re searching for an easy-care groundcover that shines in partial to full shade, white lobelia plants are an excellent option. Their star-shaped white blooms appear throughout spring and summer, offering a gentle elegance and attracting native pollinators. The delicate texture of Lobelia angulata makes it a favourite for naturalistic planting schemes, and with its ability to spread gently, it forms a lush tapestry without becoming invasive.

How to Grow and Care for White Lobelia Plants

Lobelia angulata is wonderfully versatile. It prefers moist, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, but will also tolerate drier conditions once established. Regular mulching will help retain moisture, especially during summer. This lobelia thrives in dappled shade, making it ideal beneath trees or along the shadowy edges of paths. Water young plants to get them established, then enjoy their relatively low-maintenance nature.

White Lobelia Plants in the Garden

White lobelia plants create an enchanting carpet effect, especially when planted in groups. Their understated beauty pairs well with bolder perennials and groundcovers—consider combining them with companions like Leptinella rotundifolia for a soft, native look, or Vinca major Variegata (Greater Periwinkle Plant) for contrasting foliage. For a coastal-inspired planting, mix with Banksia Coastal Cushion or Juniperus Blue Cloud (Virginian Juniper).

Explore More Lobelia Varieties

Lobelia plants are celebrated for their diversity, and your garden can benefit from exploring related varieties. For vibrant red foliage and dramatic spires, try Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'. If you prefer a ground-hugging blue, Lobelia pedunculata Country Park is a top choice. For fans of taller, showier spikes, Lobelia speciosa, Lobelia giberroa, or Lobelia puberula add colour and height to mixed borders.

Perfect Pairings and Alternatives

If your shade garden is crying out for diverse textures and subtle blooms, consider complementing your white lobelia plants with other native and ornamental groundcovers. Scaevola Erect Early Blue (Fan Flower Plant) offers gentle blue hues, while Leptinella rotundifolia brings unique fern-like foliage. All these options will help you create a resilient, attractive landscape year-round.

Time and again, white lobelia plants delight New Zealand gardeners with their unfussy nature and understated beauty. Add Lobelia angulata to your planting plan and enjoy a touch of native elegance in your own backyard.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

433 Google reviews