By Julie Christensen
If you think you sleep with lobelia as the common bedding plants base everywhere , you might be surprised to learn that the lobelia class includes more than 400 species , include annual , perennials , aquatic plants and even bush .
The most democratic coinage of lobelia isLobelia erinus , or common annual lobelia blossom . This species is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture works hardiness zones 10 and 11 ; otherwise , care for it as an annual . Lobelia has a low , mounding or trailing form , score it idealistic for the front of a mete or in containers and hang baskets . It produces thousands of tiny , fragile flower in a broad variety of colour , including grim , purple , bloodless and cherry-red .
Cardinal flower(Lobelia cardinalis)is a repeated species , fearless in USDA zone 2 through 8 . This plant grows 2 to 3 metrical unit tall and produces spikes of tubular reddish flower . Cardinal lobelia is found in ponds and wetlands . In your yard , it makes a good option near a piddle feature or natural spring . It favor moist , acidulent soil .
likewise , risque cardinal grosbeak flower(Lobelia siphilitica)is another recurrent specie that prefers moist condition . aboriginal to the U.S. , it ’s hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8 . gloomy cardinal flower grows 2 to 3 human foot tall with ear of blue flower .
How to Grow Lobelia
Regardless of the character of lobelia you develop , all species grow best in well - draining , but moist to very moist soil . Lobelias tolerate full Lord’s Day to partial tincture , but prefer some shade in hot climates . Lobelias are ho-hum to prove and most gardener grow them from greenhouse transplants . you could start yearly lobelia from source , though , 10 to 12 weeks before the last Robert Lee Frost . Spread the source equally over a tray filled with a start mix . Do n’t cover them with soil though , because they need light to germinate . stack away the cum at 70 to 75 grade Fahrenheit . Set the semen tray in a sinkhole occupy with an in of pee to provide moisture , rather than top lacrimation . This practice session discourages dampen off , a vulgar trouble in lobelia seeds .
works lobelias outside in spring after the last expected frost . Lighten the territory in flower beds with compost and manure to improve drain . Be sure to apply a short potting commixture , rather than garden soil in hanging basketball hoop and container . Space the young flora 6 inches asunder . H2O the ground frequently so it stays slightly moist to the speck , especially in raging conditions .
abbreviate one-year lobelias back by one - third after the first flush of rosiness . This will encourage a compact form and more profuse blooming later . Annual lobelia bloom from other summertime to early fall when the right way cared for , although the flush may slack during the heat of mid - summer .
fertilise annual lobelias every three weeks with a dilute all - design plant fertilizer . Fertilize perennial lobelia in the bound as the first flush of growth appears .
Potential Pests and Problems
Annual lobelias are seldom bothered by blighter or disease problems , but they may fade during the summer estrus . Additionally , the center of the plants sometimes die and collapse . even watering and fertilizing , as well as pruning can alleviate this problem .
Perennial lobelia may digest from rust fungus , leaf spot or smut . Space the plant so air mobilise freely and stave off using overhead sprinklers to keep the leaves ironical . Remove any diseased industrial plant part promptly . slug may also afflict recurrent lobelia . Remove mulch if slug are a problem and install slug baits .
Varieties of Lobelia Flowers
Want to learn more about growing lobelias
Lobelia Erinusfrom Ohio State University extension service
Lobelia cardinalisfrom North Carolina State University Extension
