Compact and well-liked, Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia) is a fragile perennial that is typically cultivated as an annual. From spring until the first frosts, it produces masses of vividly colored blooms with white or yellow throats. The two-lipped, tubular flowers, which measure 0.5 inches (1 cm) in length and have bottom lips with a huge fan-like form, come in colours of blue, violet, pink, reddish purple, or white. They are born in loose clusters and thrive in cold summer climates, although they tend to lose their effectiveness in hot, dry summers. The leafy branching stems are covered in thin, linear, green leaves that occasionally have bronze undertones. In hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes, Lobelia erinus can serve as a filler plant or trail gracefully over the edges. It is a very adaptable plant. For edging and flower beds, upright varieties work well. It is simple to cultivate, has an abundance of color, draws butterflies, deer don’t bother it, and is great for putting on a show all summer long.
- reaches heights of 6-9 in. (15-22 cm) and widths of 6-12 in (15-30 cm).
- thrives in soils that are rich in organic matter, evenly moist, and well-drained. Where the summer heat is extreme, grow in partial shade. enjoys consistent fertilizing all during the growing season.
- In hardiness zones 10 and 11, this Lobelia is a perennial, although in colder climates, it is considered an annual.
- Cut back to stimulate a fall bloom if summer foliage and blossoms noticeably fade. After the fall flowering is through, remove.
Lobelia erinus
One of the most well-known and compact lobelia species is undoubtedly the South African native Lobelia erinus. This sensitive perennial, also referred to as the trailing lobelia, is a plant that grows as an annual and has masses of strikingly colorful flowers with a yellow or white core. These flowers bloom from the beginning of spring until just before the first frost. This type of lobelia has flowers in a variety of colors, including the conventional violet and blue as well as less common hues including reddish-purple, white, and pink. Each blossom is a 0.5-inch-long, two-lipped tubular flower. The flower’s lower lip is larger than its top lip. The flowers thrive in the colder summer months and are produced in loose clusters. The hue of the blossom could, however, fade if the summers are particularly hot. Although the branching stems are heavily leafed, the leaves are small and linear in shape. The green foliage can occasionally be larger than the bronze foliage.
The versatile lobelia species Lobelia erinus is used for a variety of purposes. This species is frequently used in window boxes, hanging baskets, or other containers. By putting them in these things, they can gracefully fall off the edge while continuing to look stunning. The Lobelia erinus upright variety is the best option for flower beds and edging. This species is highly colorful and simple to grow.
The Lobelia erinus plant has a height and width range of 6 to 9 inches and 6 to 12 inches, respectively. It thrives on soils that are consistently moist, organically rich, and well-drained. It is crucial to place this plant in either partial shade or direct sunlight. Regular fertilization is essential during the growing season. Hardiness zones 10 through 11 are suitable for this perennial.
Lobelia siphilitica
Lobelia siphilitica, a native upright perennial of North America, is sometimes known as the great lobelia or the great blue lobelia. This plant can produce spikes of brilliant blue flowers that are arranged exquisitely atop lance-shaped, finely serrated leaves. Long-lasting blooms are produced by the plant, and they bloom from late summer to mid-fall. Because of its upright nature, this lobelia species works well in a variety of landscapes. Even when given the best love and care, this robust, pest- and disease-free plant has a short lifespan. Although the flowers on this plant are self-compatible, they are unable to pollinate themselves, so bees and other insects are required to do so.
The Lobelia siphilitica can expand to a height of two to three feet and a width of twelve to eighteen inches. These lobelia species thrive in humus-rich, rich soils and develop clumps. It’s crucial for this lobelia’s soil to be damp or wet, especially in the summer. The explanation is that there are frequent dry spells during the summer. Along with untamed gardens, streams, and ponds, this lobelia looks stunning.
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
The Lobelia cardinalis would be the ideal bloom to use in the late summer (Cardinal Flower). This common, clump-forming, upright perennial bellflower is native to North America and has a profusion of spiking flowers that are bright scarlet red in color. Each bloom is a two-inch-long blossom with two lips. These stunning crimson blossoms bloom from midsummer to the beginning of fall. They bloom atop upright, alternately leafed stems that rise above glossy, brilliant green foliage. As a result, any environment can benefit from this lobelia species’ ability to offer vertical architectural value. This variety requires little maintenance, is incredibly hardy, and is frequently free of disease and pests. Even though they thrive in favorable environments and have the potential to self-seed, cardinal blooms are transient.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the Lobelia cardinalis its Award of Garden Merit. The plant can expand to a height of 2 to 4 feet and a weight of 1 to 2 feet. It thrives in medium to well-rich soils that receive full sun or little shade. It can also stand up to poor drainage and wet soils.
Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ (Cardinal Flower)
The Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’, a different variety of cardinal flower, is a well-known garden bloom in the late summer. This species of lobelia grows in clumps, is erect, and is well-liked. It is a perennial with an abundance of spiking flowers that are tightly clustered. These magnificent two-lipped flowers have a stunning fiery crimson color. From late summer until early fall, the blooms bloom. This lobelia species is also borne upright, like a few other lobelia species. The stalks have alternately arranged leaves that are beet red in hue. This particular lobelia species instantly improved the appearance of any setting. Even though it grows in optimal conditions, the Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ is regrettably a fleeting flowering plant.
Similar to the species of Lobelia cardinalis that were mentioned earlier, this one has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This lobelia species can expand to a height of 3 to 4 feet and a width of 1 to 2 feet. It thrives in moist to medium soils that are rich in sunlight or partial shade. It is tolerant to moist soils and poor drainage.
Lobelia x speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ (Lobelia)
The Lobelia x speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ is an upright, sturdy perennial that attractively displays dark violet blooms and dark green leaves. It is regarded as one of the most well-known and adored flowers for the summer. The rich green leaves turn a shade of purple as midsummer and early fall approach. This plant is renowned for being quite architectural and stunning, adding vertical value to a landscape. This lobelia species is a hybrid of Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia siphilitica, and Lobelia fulgens.
The Lobelia x speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ plant can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet and widths of 1 to 3 feet. In ordinary, medium, or damp soils with full sun or partial shade, this kind of lobelia thrives. However, this plant adores moisture and needs midday shade. It enhances the charm of garden beds and cottage gardens.
What do Trailing Lobelia look like?
Compact-growing shrub known as the Trailing Lobelia is often grown as an annual. It can be purchased as a hanging basket or an upright plant for use as a balcony bloom. The blue blooms stand out because they are made up of two perfectly symmetrical parts. There is frequently a white eye in the flower’s center.
How big is the Trailing Lobelia?
Depending on the kind, upright Lobelia can grow to heights of 5.91 to 11.81 inches. On the other hand, the hanging variety’s shoots can grow to an amazing length of up to 39.37 inches.
How must one care for the Trailing Lobelia?
Every two weeks or so, the Trailing Lobelia needs fertilizing. At the end of July, you can clip the blossoms to promote re-flowering.
Is the Trailing Lobelia winter-hardy?
The Trailing Lobelia is a plant that is not winter hardy. Some species, however, may survive the winter in a warm area of 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is lobelia a plant that spreads?
The annual lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is ideal for container and landscape plantings since it flowers profusely for months and has a trailing, spreading, or bushy habit.
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Many lobelia annual forms appear in shades of sky or true blue, a hard-to-find flower color that is prized by gardeners. These lobelia are sometimes referred to as miniature lobelia to distinguish from tall perennial versions. White, pink, or purple flowers can also be found on lobelia. Hummingbirds, bees, and other insect pollinators are drawn to the tiny two-lipped tubular blossoms.
It’s simple to grow lobelia. This kind of lobelia is a fragile perennial that is often planted as an annual and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. Although it blooms from spring through October, lobelia does so best in the cooler months. These adaptable blooming plants can be utilized in mass plantings, hanging baskets, window boxes, road or border edging, or anywhere a cheery pop of color is required.
Can I trim the trailing lobelia back?
Yes. The health and look of lobelia plants are improved by pruning. Additionally, it fosters a longer-lasting increase in flower production from the plant. The three pruning techniques that are beneficial to lobelia plants include cutting back, pinching, and removing spent blooms.
How far apart should trailing lobelia be planted?
From late winter to mid-spring, plant lobelia seeds in trays or pots filled with a quality seed-starting compost. Place it in a propagator at a temperature of 18–24C (65–75F) or place it somewhere warm and seal it within a polythene bag.
When seedlings are big enough to handle, transfer them in groups of up to 6 into cell trays or small pots so they may continue to grow in colder environments. When the young plants are fully grown and all danger of frost has gone, harden them off by exposing them to outside conditions for 7 to 10 days.
Plant seeds in seed trays or pots in pots in February or March at a temperature of 21 to 25 C. (70-75F). Up to a month is needed for germination.
Transplant seedlings into 7.5-9cm (3-3.5in) pots singly once they are big enough to handle. After all risk of frost has passed, gradually harden off the plants before replanting.
Planting lobelia
After any potential frost has passed, bedding plants should be planted out at the end of May or the beginning of June. You can plant hanging baskets and pots earlier if you have a greenhouse or another covered growing room so that the plants can develop and bloom earlier before being placed outside in the early summer.
Although they’ll develop more quickly in autumn or early spring, perennial lobelia plants can be planted at any time of year, provided the soil isn’t frozen solid or wet.
Lots of organic material, like as compost, leafmold, or well-rotted manure, should be incorporated as you dig over the planting area. This is crucial for Lobelia cardinalisas because they require a moist or wet soil. Create a hole that is sufficiently large to accommodate the rootball with ease.
Place the rootball in the planting hole, adjusting the planting depth until the rootball’s top is level with the soil and the rootball is planted at the same depth as it was growing initially.
Fill the planting hole with the excavated soil after adding more organic matter to it. Water the area well, add a granular general feed to the soil surrounding the plant, and then mulch the root zone with bark chips or well-rotted garden compost that is 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in) deep.
How to care for lobelia
To prolong flowering, water plants as needed to maintain wet soil or compost.
Feed your plants every two weeks with a balanced liquid plant food in the spring and the first half of the summer, and then every two weeks with a high potash food after that.
When necessary, water Lobelia cardinalis plants to keep the compost or soil damp or moist.
The entire summer will lobelia bloom?
The majority of this lobelia’s variations have a trailing growth habit and come in a variety of hues. It has numerous uses and is frequently offered in the garden center’s annuals department. Till the first frost, lobelia blooms in the North throughout the summer and into the fall.
Are lobelia plants suitable for hanging baskets?
Lobelia. A common bedding plant for hanging baskets and summer pots is Lobelia erinus. It is available in a variety of colors, including as white, purple, pink, and vivid blues. Grow in full light, prevent compost from drying out, and fertilize frequently.
Varieties: Our Favorites
Bella Aqua is a more recent variety that has a mounding shape, strong heat tolerance, and an abundance of vivid blue flowers throughout the spring, summer, and fall. It expands 12 inches in height and width.
Bella Cielo is a more recent variety with delicate, sky blue flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and autumn because to its high heat tolerance. Its height and width each reach roughly 10 inches.
Lobelia Hot Snow White was a standout performer in our Trial Garden, with snow-white blooms. It has a 10 inch height and 10 inch width, and it is more heat resistant than many other versions.
A stunning sky-blue, trailing annual lobelia called “Hot Water Blue” is bred to withstand the heat and thrive in humid summers. From full sun to moderate shade, plants can reach heights of 8 to 12 inches.
As its name suggests, this type can withstand high temperatures well and has a more erect form than earlier varieties. It blooms all spring and summer with delicate, pale blue flowers. It expands to be 16 inches broad and 10 inches tall.