Guidelines For Maintaining A Lobelia Erinus Plant?

Lobelia erinus is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial flowering plant native to Asia, known for its bright blue to purple blossoms. It thrives in full sun or part shade in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils and can be grown in part shade where summer heat is intense. The plant requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season and can be planted in early spring after the danger of frost has passed, but when the weather is still cool.

To plant Lobelia erinus, choose a site that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sun. Plant perennial varieties in the fall and start by digging holes. The trailing lobelia flower is a lovely choice for filling in around garden beds, driveways, and borders. Caring for Lobelia erinus is easy and even a newcomer in gardening will succeed.

Lobelia plants need a spot in full sun or part shade, with reliably moist soil. Annual varieties don’t need deadheading, but can be cut back in midsummer to maintain bushiness and good flowering. Deadhead perennial varieties once they’ve finished flowering and cut foliage back in autumn.

Lobelia plants typically prefer more sun than shade, but they tend to decline if subjected to full sun during very hot summers. Watering is essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, as overwatering may cause root rot or other diseases. Lobelia plants appreciate consistent irrigation throughout the growing season, as cool, moist soil helps them continue to produce flowers.

Annual lobelia plants prefer moderate humidity and cool weather with evening temperatures staying between 50 and 70 degrees. They cannot handle temperatures below 40°F and typically stop flowering when temperatures dip below 50°F. Lobelia plants are easy to grow and tolerate conditions from full sun to part shade, typically blooming up to the first frost of the season. Lobelia cardinalis can be grown in sun or partial shade, and it needs a good, fertile soil that remains moist during summer and doesn’t dry out.

Why is my lobelia dying?

Lobelias thrive in cooler weather, particularly in spring and fall. They may stop flowering or die back during the heat of summer, which can be addressed by deadheading and trimming the plant back. Consistently moist soil is essential for lobelia’s growth. They can perform well in partial shade to full sun, but in hotter climates, they may benefit from some shade during hot afternoon hours. Deadheading is not necessary as lobelia are self-cleaning and will fall away themselves. However, if the plant stops producing during the summer heat, deadheading and trimming can give it a boost and encourage a second bloom in the fall.

Does lobelia like lots of water?

Annual lobelia, once established in a garden, can be watered weekly during the summer season, depending on weather conditions. However, it is not drought-tolerant and can be overwatered if the soil is moist. Perennial lobelia or cardinal flowers can survive wetter planting locations. Potted lobelia should be watered more frequently as they tend to dry out more quickly. The best time to water lobelia is in the morning or evening, before or after peak sunlight and heat hours. Lobelia does not need watering during winter and does not typically grow indoors, so it does not need watering during dormancy.

How often should I water my Lobelia?

Lobelia plants require thorough watering to ensure their growth and health. Newly planted lobelia may require 2-3 waterings per week without rainfall. Annual lobelia can be watered weekly during the summer season, depending on weather conditions. They are not drought-tolerant and can be overwatered if the soil is moist. Perennial lobelia or cardinal flowers can survive wetter planting locations. Potted lobelia should be watered more frequently than garden lobelia, as they tend to dry out more quickly.

The best time to water lobelia is in the morning or evening, before or after peak sunlight and heat hours. Lobelia does not need watering during winter and does not typically grow indoors, so it does not need watering during dormancy.

How often should I water my lobelia?

Lobelia plants require thorough watering to ensure their growth and health. Newly planted lobelia may require 2-3 waterings per week without rainfall. Annual lobelia can be watered weekly during the summer season, depending on weather conditions. They are not drought-tolerant and can be overwatered if the soil is moist. Perennial lobelia or cardinal flowers can survive wetter planting locations. Potted lobelia should be watered more frequently than garden lobelia, as they tend to dry out more quickly.

The best time to water lobelia is in the morning or evening, before or after peak sunlight and heat hours. Lobelia does not need watering during winter and does not typically grow indoors, so it does not need watering during dormancy.

How do I get my lobelia to bloom again?

Lobelia flowers can be pruned by taking off the tips and top two leaves of tender, young growth, promoting bushy growth and better flowering. A thumbnail is the best tool for this task. Trim the plant with scissors when needed, including removing spent blossoms. For spiky types, wait until the entire spike has faded before clipping out the stems. Cut back the plant by half or more at the end of its bloom period to keep it looking neat and encourage another flush of blooms.

Edging and trailing lobelia, which grow only about 6 inches tall, follow a schedule similar to pansies and linaria. Most growers remove them in early summer when they no longer look their best. If left in the garden, cut them back by one-half to two-thirds to encourage fall blooms. Edging and trailing lobelias are self-cleaning, so deadheading them is unnecessary. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

Why is lobelia so hard to grow?

Lobelia, a genus of plants, includes over 300 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. The most common species is Lobelia erinus, a compact herbaceous annual with bright blue to violet blooms from mid spring to early summer. There are several cultivars of lobelia, each with slightly different growth habits and requirements. The mounding type, also known as edging lobelia, is perfect for planting along beds and borders, while the cascading type spills like a sapphire waterfall from window boxes or pots. Compact and trailing lobelia with magenta or white flowers are also available.

However, all parts of the Lobelia erinus plant, including leaves, stem, flowers, and seeds, are considered toxic to humans. Therefore, it is important to use caution when planting annual lobelia in common gathering areas and consider supplemental watering during hotter weather or long stretches without rain.

Does Lobelia Erinus come back every year?

Lobelia erinus, a common garden variety, is typically cultivated as an annual and is unable to withstand the winter season in climates situated outside of USDA gardening zones 10-11. While it produces aesthetically pleasing flowers, it lacks a distinctive fragrance. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the lobelia flower lacks aggressive characteristics and does not spread rapidly in the landscape. The seeds can be dispersed in the following spring to facilitate subsequent growth.

Does lobelia like sun or shade?

Lobelia can be grown in full sun or partial shade, with a lightly shaded position or direct sunlight for prolonged flowering. They require good, fertile, moist soil that doesn’t dry out in summer. To improve moisture holding, add organic matter like compost to free-draining soils. Perennial lobelia, like Lobelia cardinalis, can be grown in sun or partial shade, with a good, fertile soil that remains moist during summer and doesn’t dry out.

How do you care for a lobelia plant?

To maintain optimal growth of lobelia, it is essential to provide regular, even irrigation, particularly during periods of extreme heat or extended dry conditions. It is imperative to avoid overwatering in order to prevent the onset of root rot and the proliferation of disease. It is recommended that a time-release granular fertilizer and an all-purpose liquid fertilizer be applied at four- to six-week intervals.

In the event that the plants exhibit signs of stunting, such as legginess, or if there is a decline in flowering, it is recommended to lightly shear them and apply a fertilizer to stimulate new branching and flowering.

Why is Lobelia so hard to grow?

Lobelia, a genus of plants, includes over 300 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. The most common species is Lobelia erinus, a compact herbaceous annual with bright blue to violet blooms from mid spring to early summer. There are several cultivars of lobelia, each with slightly different growth habits and requirements. The mounding type, also known as edging lobelia, is perfect for planting along beds and borders, while the cascading type spills like a sapphire waterfall from window boxes or pots. Compact and trailing lobelia with magenta or white flowers are also available.

However, all parts of the Lobelia erinus plant, including leaves, stem, flowers, and seeds, are considered toxic to humans. Therefore, it is important to use caution when planting annual lobelia in common gathering areas and consider supplemental watering during hotter weather or long stretches without rain.

How do I bring my lobelia back to life?

Perennial lobelias, particularly Lobelia cardinalis, require regular watering and balanced feeding. They should be cut back after flowering and foliage in autumn. For protection in hard winters, mulch should be applied in autumn. To propagate lobelia, sow seeds in February or March, mixing them with silver sand. The seeds need a temperature of 18-24C (65-75F) for germination, so use a heated propagator or cover with a polythene bag. Prick out seedlings when large enough, pot them into larger pots, and harden off before planting in late May. Perennial lobelia varieties can also be divided in spring.