Amazing Plants-Lobelia

Lobelia is a moisture-loving plant that produces a shock of blue-purple blooms. Growing three feet high. It’s a prolific. Low-maintenance bloomer that will fill your landscaping beds easily. Amazing Plants-Lobelia!

Amazing Plants-Lobelia

The lobelia plant is an attractive annual herb with many varieties. Some of these even include biennial species. Lobelia is an easy-to-grow, carefree plant that enjoys cool weather.

This summertime bloomer will continue to produce flowers on up through the first frost. Growing lobelia is an asset to the garden.

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Should I Prune My Lobelia?

Yes! Cutting back lobelia plants improves their appearance and health. It also encourages the plant to produce more flowers over a longer period of time.

The three types of pruning that benefit lobelia plants are removing spent flowers, pinching, and cutting back.

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How to Grow?

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination. Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge.

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Preparations

Lobelia is used both internally and externally, in various forms. The entire above-ground portion of the plant, including the seed pods, is harvested in late summer and fall, after it flowers. The leaves and seeds of the plant can be used to make a tincture.

The dried herb can also be smoked or used as a tea. Prepared as a salve, it is appropriate for external use. All portions of the plant that are above ground are medicinally useful, including the stem.

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How To Choose Lobelia?

If you are starting out with vigorous seedlings, spring is the best time to buy Lobelia. Visit your local nursery or garden center and look for plants with a compact shape, healthy leaves, buds, and flowers.

Because these plants bloom continuously through the spring, summer and into the fall, you don’t need to worry purchasing a plant in bloom and assuming it will offer nothing but leaves after the flowers fade. A plant in healthy bloom will continue to perform well for as long as you take good care of it.

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Natural Distribution

Lobelias prefer the tropical and temperate parts of the country as their natural habitat. They can be found in the Cape (including on Table Mountain) and on the mountain slopes of other ranges.

They extend right from the southern and eastern coasts of South Africa into tropical Africa far further north.

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Bella Cielo Lobelia

Lobelia erinus ‘Bella Cielo’.

Bella Cielo is a newer variety that shows off soft, sky blue flowers and has good heat tolerance, so it blooms in spring, summer, and autumn. It grows about 10 inches tall and wide.

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