Lobelia tupa, commonly known as Devil’s Tobacco, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the central Chilean Andes and coastal regions, where it is found in scrublands and open areas. It can grow up to 4 meters tall, with a typical width of 1-1.5 meters. The plant has a striking appearance, featuring grey-green foliage with felty, elliptical leaves that are 10–15 cm long. During the summer, Lobelia tupa produces distinctive red, tubular, and 2-lipped flowers arranged in a sympodial pattern, which are quite showy and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Devil’s Tobacco is valued for its dramatic floral display and architectural form, making it a focal point in borders and ornamental gardens. It is also used for its purported medicinal properties in its native range. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it requires well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels. While it thrives in dry soils, it is adaptable to various soil types as long as drainage is adequate. It is generally low-maintenance but may require staking due to its height. Potential problems include slugs and snails, which may damage young plants, and it can be sensitive to overly wet conditions, leading to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0