Lobelia - Garden Basics - Flower - Annual
(Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia
was introduced more than 200 years ago from the region around
the Cape of Good Hope. The original wild forms of lobelia have
been bred to bloom more profusely. There are both trailing varieties,
with billowing masses of blossoms, and more compact bedding types,
seldom exceeding 6 inches in height. The 1/2- to 3/4-inch-wide
flowers, borne along each stem, are blue on the common varieties,
but white and carmine types have also been developed.
Lobelia
is prized for window boxes, hanging baskets, planters, and ground
covers. Although the plants do best in full sun and moist, rich
soil where summers are cool, they will grow surprisingly well
in hot areas if given partial shade.
Lobelia is not sown directly in the garden because it does not
begin to flower until two months after seed is planted. Start
the seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost is due;
since the seeds are very small, plant them on top of finely
prepared soil without covering them. Most nurseries and garden
supply stores offer started plants already in bloom. Transplant
after all danger of frost is past, spacing them 4 to 6 inches
apart. Remove flower spikes after blooming to produce further
growth. 'Rosamund' is the pictured cultivar.
- Type
annual -
Propagation
seeds -
Light
full or partial shade -
Flower Color
various -
Bloom Time
summer -
Height
3-9 inches -
Width
6 inches -
Soil Requirements
neutral pH, well drained, moist -
Zones
1-11 -
Uses
window boxes, hanging baskets, planters, groundcover, border edging
