Lobelia: photo and description, what kind of flower it is

Lobelia is a popular ornamental flowering plant of the Campanaceae family. More than 20 different cultivated flower species are used in landscape design. Among them there are annual varieties used as container hanging crops, as well as perennial medium-sized shrubs, which can often be found as part of multi-species mixborders.

If you correctly follow the planting technology and maintenance conditions, the plant can bloom all summer, right up to the autumn frosts. In this article we will look at the key points of growing and caring for lobelia.

Description of the plant

Lobelia is a multi-species genus of the Campanulaceae family. The plant's homeland is considered to be South Africa, where it grows near bodies of water on rocky and sandy soils. Lobelia got its name in honor of a Dutch botanist who grew the plant in an English greenhouse in the 16th century.

More than 300 species of lobelia are known, 20 of them are cultivated. Herbaceous, shrub and semi-shrub forms of the plant are known. In its natural environment it is a perennial, but as a garden flower, lobelia is usually grown as an annual. Botanical features of the plant:

stems rather thin, branching or erect;
The leaves are lanceolate-shaped and abundantly cover the entire bush. Their length varies from 3 to 8 cm;
developed fibrous root system;
the flowers resemble small bells. The petals are colored in a variety of shades depending on the variety. The most common colors are blue, light blue, white and red;
flowering continues all summer, the inflorescences abundantly cover the entire bush and bloom almost simultaneously;
In autumn, fruits are formed - small seed pods that can be used as planting material.

Lobelia is a moisture-loving plant; some species require planting exclusively near a pond. In landscape design, the crop is used to decorate flower beds, paths, and also as part of multi-species plantings. A number of annual hanging varieties can be grown in a hanging pot or container.

Lobelia in landscape design

The delicate and bright colors of the annual go well with other beautifully flowering plants. Suitable companion species: petunia, edelweiss, balsam, pelargonium, salvia, rudbeckia, verbena. It is important to arrange the plants according to the height of the bushes and stems so that the lobelia does not cover the low-growing items.

Helpful information:

The flower is suitable for decorating flower beds and arranging borders.
Delicate buds on graceful stems add bright colors to alpine hills. Rocky areas improve the drainage of moisture from the landscape composition, which reduces the risk of the development of harmful fungal flora.
Low-growing varieties are used for carpet decoration.
Interesting options: bright azure lobelia flowers in a tall round vase combined with white petunia, ivy greenery and scarlet pelargonium.
Some designers create amazing compositions: a “floral fountain” of three shallow vases of different diameters (on high legs) with lobelia of one or several shades.
Group plantings of lobelia in peach, blue and purple colors add colorful surroundings to boring corners of the garden.
Hanging varieties look impressive in hanging flower pots and flowerpots. Experienced gardeners advise planting lobelia in coconut liners with multiple holes. The soil mixture is poured inside the elements.

Lobelia is a low plant with a pronounced decorative effect. Delicate flowers and bright greenery form a lush carpet on the site, alpine slides. Ampelous varieties look impressive in wide vases on legs and hanging baskets. Lobelia is bright colors and a cute decoration for the garden, rock garden, balcony and summer cottage.

You can learn more useful tips for growing Lobelia after watching the video:

Types, varieties

About 20 different varieties are cultivated as a garden crop. When choosing a plant, you should take into account the shape, planting requirements, as well as appearance for creating flowering compositions. All types of lobelia can be divided into annual and perennial varieties. Let's look at the most interesting of them.

Annuals

When growing wild, they are perennials, but due to their poor resistance to frost, they are usually planted every year by seed. Popular varieties:

Lobelia Erinus (border). A herbaceous plant reaching a height of up to 40 cm. The bush consists of thin branching stems that form a spherical shape. The flowers are small, usually painted in various shades of blue, but two-color varieties are also found. There are several varieties of border lobelia - compact, spreading, dwarf and ampelous. They differ in the height of the bush and the type of shoots;
Lobelia is strong. The bush is formed from creeping shoots and reaches a height of up to 15 cm. The green leaves are quite large and have decorative value. The flowers are blue or purple. Flowering is possible all summer;
Lobelia is the thinnest. A herbaceous plant with an elegant appearance. The shoots grow up to 25 cm. The flowers are large and can reach 2 cm in diameter. Depending on the variety, you can find white, blue or lilac petals.

The varietal diversity of annual lobelias is very extensive. They differ in the color of the buds and the height of the bush. The most popular varieties: Crystal Palace, Kaiser Willhelm, White Palace, Riviera Blue Splash.

Perennial

They are less common because planting material is not easy to find, and caring for perennials is more difficult. These species are grown near bodies of water, as part of mixborders or as single plants. The most beautiful types of perennial lobelias:

Lobelia is wonderful. The plant is represented by a bush up to 90 cm in height. During flowering, it is abundantly strewn with spike-shaped inflorescences, reaching a diameter of 3 cm. The petals can have different shapes and colors;
Lobelia fiery. This is a plant that grows up to 1.5 m. The leaves are very decorative, colored green, red or bicolor. Flowering continues all summer, the petals are bright red. In Russia, the Queen Victoria variety is commonly grown;
Lobelia purpurea. An erect bush growing up to 100 cm in height. Suitable for planting near a pond; flowering in dry areas is impossible. The flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences of bright red color;
Lobelia blue. The bush of this species is very voluminous, can reach more than 1.5 in diameter. The height of the stems does not exceed 1 m. The small flowers are collected in dense inflorescences of a rich blue color. Often used as a border plant.

When purchasing planting material, you need to carefully look at the photo and read the annotation on the packaging, which always indicates the features of growing the plant. Depending on the variety, this may be a flower bed, a container, or an area next to a pond.

Selection of location and conditions of detention

In general, lobelia is considered an unpretentious plant. For the harmonious development of the bush, abundant and long-lasting flowering, it is very important to choose the right place for planting and observe the conditions of maintenance.

Lighting and location

Lobelia prefers areas with moderate sunlight, but can also grow in well-lit areas. In the southern regions, it is advisable to plant the flower in partial shade to avoid rapid drying out of the soil and burns of the leaves from direct sunlight. The choice of site depends on the type of plant; aquatic varieties of lobelia can only be planted in close proximity to a reservoir. Low-growing and ampelous varieties are suitable for planting in a flowerbed or in a flower pot; shrubby forms look best in mixborders or single plantings.

Temperature

Almost all types of lobelia are heat-loving plants, but even in mid-latitude conditions, long and abundant flowering can be achieved. The bush develops well in a fairly wide temperature range, the optimal value is 15-20°C. Lobelia does not tolerate frost well, so it needs to be covered in winter, especially when growing the plant in northern latitudes. In areas with cold winters, the crop is grown only as an annual, since during winter there is a risk of the bush dying.

Air and humidity

High humidity is an important requirement for the growth and development of lobelia. All species are moisture-loving, so drying out the soil can be detrimental to the flower. In dry seasons, it is necessary not only to water the bush abundantly, but also to spray it. If you decide to grow aquatic lobelia varieties, planting them near water is a must.

Strong winds usually do not threaten the plant, since the low growth and fibrous root system cope well with support functions. It is not advisable to plant tall types of lobelia in an open area, as there is a risk of stem breakage in a strong gust of wind. The plant tolerates moderate drafts calmly.

Priming

Light, loose and well-aerated sandy or loamy soils are suitable for the plant. The acidity should be neutral or slightly acidic. The soil must hold water well, since moisture is a key requirement for flowering of a crop, it is recommended to lay drainage in the planting holes. In fertile areas rich in organic matter, there is a risk of active growth of green mass and a decrease in the quality of flowering, which is important to consider when choosing a location. To increase looseness, before planting, the area must be carefully dug up to at least the depth of a spade bayonet.

Preparing for landing

It is necessary to prepare the soil for planting from the end of May, when the last frosts recede. The area needs to be thoroughly dug up and, if necessary, sand or expanded clay should be added to enhance the aeration of the substrate. There is no need to apply fertilizers, as this will enhance the growth of green mass and reduce bud formation. Lobelia is planted in individual holes up to 30 cm wide and one spade deep. If you plan to place several bushes in a row, then the distance between the holes should be at least 10-15 cm.

Regardless of the planting method, seeds or seedlings are usually not treated. Young lobelia takes root well in a new place, quickly begins to grow and enter the growing season.

When to plant lobelia for seedlings according to the Lunar calendar 2021

If you remember, I wrote how to navigate using the lunar calendar. There are general rules: everything that grows underground is planted on the waning moon, everything that grows above the ground is planted on the waxing moon. Lobelia, as a plant that grows upward, is usually planted on the growing moon. There are also optimal days associated with the passage of the moon through the horoscope signs.

Optimal days for planting in 2021:

February – 14-15
March – 13-15, 17-18
April – 9-11, 15-17
May – 6-9, 11-14

The main thing to remember is that the best time to plant is when you have the desire to do it and are in a good mood. If you do everything without the mood, then no lunar calendar will help, you will not grow.

Planting process

Lobelia can be planted from seeds or cuttings. Depending on the climatic conditions in the region, it is permissible to plant seeds both in open ground and by seedling method.

Seeds

Planting material should be sown no later than mid-February, since seedlings develop very slowly. Picking is usually not carried out - the grown seedlings can be planted immediately in open ground. Lobelia planting technology:

Soil for flower crops or a self-prepared substrate consisting of garden soil, peat and sand in equal proportions is placed in the container. It is advisable to use a spacious container to avoid picking. Before the procedure, the substrate and container must be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Seeds are sown on moist soil. They are very small, so there is no need to deepen them. Typically, planting material is mixed with clean sand, and then the mixture is evenly distributed over the surface. After planting, you need to water abundantly with warm, settled water.
The container is covered with film or glass until shoots appear. It is necessary to regularly ventilate to avoid the development of fungal diseases of the roots.
The first shoots appear after 5-10 days. As soon as 2 true leaves are formed, the cover can be removed. After this, it is necessary to carry out regular additional lighting and monitor the constant moisture of the soil. To enhance the resistance of plants, it is recommended to carry out hardening, for example, placing seedlings in fresh air for 1-2 hours, gradually increasing the period.

Transplantation to a permanent place in open ground can be carried out only after the end of spring frosts, but not earlier than the second half of May. Plants are planted in pre-prepared holes; there is no need to cover them.

Cuttings

Large types of lobelia are easier to plant using cuttings, which can be purchased at any large nursery. When purchasing, be sure to check the root system - it should not be dry. You can often find already flowering seedlings on sale; this is completely normal for lobelia. The planting technology is practically no different from planting seedlings obtained by seed. It is recommended to immerse the lobelia roots in water a few hours before the procedure to facilitate the rooting process in a new location.

The first shoots of lobelia. What to do?

Lobelia seedlings are very tender in the early stages. Some sprouts will die in the first days. Therefore, you should not plant it immediately in open ground.

After the first shoots have sprouted, the most crucial period begins. At this time, seedlings are very vulnerable. To preserve it, you need to carry out the following manipulations:

It is not recommended to water tender seedlings in the usual way; it is better to do this with a syringe. Making injections into the soil.
Plantings need additional lighting.
The temperature should not fall below 18 degrees Celsius.
Avoid drafts.

Lobelia has risen, what to do? - video

Rules for caring for and growing in the garden

Features of caring for lobelia directly affect the health of the plant, the duration and quality of flowering. This is an unpretentious crop, but to maintain an attractive appearance you need to follow simple rules of care.

Watering

Lobelia is a moisture-loving plant, so watering is an important point when growing the crop. It is necessary to regularly monitor the moisture of the soil, avoiding its drying out. During the growing season, watering is carried out every 2-3 days. The water should be at ambient temperature and settled. During the dry season, the plant needs to be watered every day. When growing hanging varieties, it is practiced to add a special hydrogel to the soil, which retains moisture well in the soil.

Top dressing

Fertilizers are applied depending on the condition of the plant. Lobelia is unpretentious to soil quality and can grow actively even in poor soils. Typically, fertilizing is carried out twice per season - in spring and autumn. Before budding begins, it is recommended to apply potassium or phosphorus compounds, and in the fall you can use complex fertilizers containing all the components necessary for the plant.

Loosening, mulching

To avoid the formation of a dry crust on the top layer of soil, loosening must be carried out regularly. The procedure is usually combined with weeding, the optimal frequency is once a month. You need to loosen the soil very carefully so as not to damage the thin stems and root system of the plant. When growing perennial types of lobelia, loosening is stopped starting from the 3rd year of growth.

Mulching is carried out twice per season. Using mulch reduces the rapid drying out of the soil and prevents the growth of weeds. For this purpose, sawdust, peat or dry leaves are usually used. The optimal layer is 3-5 cm.

Pinching, pinching, pruning

For perennial and annual types of lobelia, different pruning of the bush is carried out. Annuals are pinched at the beginning of the growing season, removing the top of the shoots. This allows you to speed up the onset of flowering and enhance the formation of buds. Perennial species require both sanitary and decorative pruning. The procedure is carried out in spring or autumn to minimize the impact on the growing season. It is necessary to remove all deformed, old and damaged parts of the plant, and in the fall they practice complete pruning of the bush to a height of up to 5 cm from the surface of the ground.

Transfer

The procedure is required only for perennial varieties. The need for replanting can be determined by slowing down the growth of vegetative parts and reducing the abundance of flowering. On average, the plant needs to be moved to a new location every 3-5 years. During this, the bush is dug up along with the root system, and then it is transferred to a new location. After this, you need to water the lobelia generously, and after 14 days, add a comprehensive fertilizer to improve adaptation.

Growing lobelia from seeds

Sowing seeds

Growing lobelia begins with sowing seeds, since the main method of propagation of this plant is by seed. Lobelia blooms from the moment of sowing in 8-10 weeks. Usually the seedling method of seed propagation is used. In early February, place a layer of drainage (expanded clay or pieces of bark) in a seedling cassette with a cell depth of 5 cm, then pour a layer of light, well-kneaded soil on top, mixed with coconut fiber and river sand, water the soil so that it is saturated with moisture, let let it settle and sow seeds mixed with sand on it. There is no need to plant the seeds in the ground, since they may not sprout from under the soil; you should just lightly sprinkle them with a thin layer of sand so that the moisture does not evaporate from the soil so quickly. Cover the cassette with film or glass and place it where bright, diffused light will fall on it.

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Growing seedlings

Lobelia seedlings are not afraid of excessive humidity; dry, too warm air and dry soil are much more dangerous for them - the sprouts become thinner and die. Therefore, do not leave the cassette without film if the room is 22 ºC or more, and scrupulously follow the watering schedule. If you are afraid of catching a cold or watering the seedlings, water them in the tray of the seedling cassette. A cool environment will not destroy your seedlings, since they can withstand temperatures down to -2 ºC.

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The first month the seedlings will grow very slowly, almost imperceptibly to the eye, but then growth will accelerate. As soon as the seedlings grow to 3-4 cm in height (and this will happen approximately two months after sowing), plant them 3-4 pieces in a disposable 100-gram glass, and when they reach a height of 6-7 cm, pinch the seedlings to stimulate branching. Lobelia begins to bloom even in seedlings.

Wintering

Almost all varieties of lobelia have poor frost resistance, so preparations for winter are required. When grown in the southern regions, after the end of flowering, the plant is cut to a height of up to 5 cm above the ground level. Then water it with warm water and cover it with a thick layer of sawdust, peat or straw.

The optimal shelter height is 20 cm. In areas with cold and long winters, after autumn pruning of the bush, it is recommended to dig up the lobelia and transplant it into a large container. The plant should be stored in a cool and damp place, for example, in a cellar, basement, balcony or unheated greenhouse.

Features of cultivation

Lobelia is highly resistant to diseases and pests. With proper care, diseases rarely develop. The most common fungal infections are root rot, powdery mildew and leaf rust. When the first signs of the disease appear, you need to remove all affected parts of the plant and carry out a two-stage treatment of the planting with a complex fungicide with an interval of 14 days. In case of severe damage, it is advisable to destroy the plant.

The most common pests are aphids and spider mites, and slugs are dangerous for aquatic varieties. It is recommended to carry out preventive treatment of the area with any broad-spectrum contact insecticide (Aktellik, Decis, Aktara or Iskra).

Lobelia is one of the most popular plants for decorating a site. A large variety of species allows you to choose a variety for a variety of purposes. Low-growing and ampelous lobelias are suitable for decorating flower beds or borders, and shrubby forms fit well into multi-species plantings and mixborders. The plant is unpretentious, but to maintain health and abundant flowering, you must properly care for the crop - maintain high soil moisture, and also choose the right place for planting.