Kangaroo Lobelia

Kangaroo Lobelia (Dampiera diversifolia) is a compact native groundcover that stays about 30cm tall and spreads to roughly 1m, then covers itself in vivid blue flowers in spring. It grows quickly, stays tidy and asks little, and it enjoys dappled shade. It comes from Western Australia but grows happily in any sheltered, well drained spot across most of the country.

Why you'll love it

• Blue that stands out. Intense blue flowers blanket the mat in spring, a colour that is hard to find among native groundcovers.
• Fast but tidy. It spreads neatly into a low, compact carpet rather than running wild, so it behaves in a mixed bed.
• Frost and drought tolerant once established. After its first season it copes with frost and dry spells without fuss.
• Happy in shade. It likes dappled light, which makes it useful under shrubs and trees where many groundcovers sulk.
• Suits pots. Where garden soil is heavy, a container of free draining mix gives it the drainage it needs.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 50cm apart in staggered rows. With a spread of about 1m, neighbouring plants knit together into a continuous low carpet.

Rockeries. Tuck it between stones and along mounded edges, where drainage is sharp and the blue flowers spill over the rock.

Containers and baskets. In a pot or hanging basket it solves the problem of poorly drained garden soil, and it can be moved to dappled light.

Growing Kangaroo Lobelia in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled sunlight in a sheltered position is ideal. Although it is a Western Australian native, it adapts to most climates provided the drainage is good, from subtropical and warm temperate gardens to cool temperate and Mediterranean ones. Established plants tolerate frost. Keep young plants out of strong wind.

Soil. Free draining soil is the one firm requirement. Sand and loam suit it. On clay, build a mound or use a pot. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and keep soil temperatures even while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Keep young plants evenly moist through their first season, then cut back, because established plants tolerate drought. A native slow release fertiliser in spring helps keep the plant healthy.

Pruning. Little is needed. Trim any straggling stems lightly after flowering to keep the mat neat and compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Kangaroo Lobelia as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly) and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to plant a drift, and the packs of ten suit a larger area that you want to fill quickly.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so availability comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out when you visit, use the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our groundcover range
• More Australian native plants
• Plants for rockeries and gravel gardens
• The best groundcovers for shade

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 50cm apart for a carpet. It reaches about 1m wide, so the plants meet and fill the gaps as they grow.

Does it need full shade or full sun?

Neither. Dappled light is best, and a sheltered position keeps the flowers tidy. In hot inland districts keep it out of harsh afternoon sun.

What is the difference between this and Dampiera linearis?

This one is the low, spreading groundcover at 30cm tall. Dampiera linearis is more upright, with grey-green foliage and a height of about 60cm.