Is lobelia a sun or shade?
Is lobelia a sun or shade plant? This versatile plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Too much shade will result in fewer flowers. Protect plants from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates, and provide more light in northern locations. For Maximum potency Lobelia should be harvested in mid to late summer months when the seed pods have matured. When gathering Lobelia only harvest the parts above the ground not the root. Lobelia has a shallow root system so you will need to cut the plant rather than try and pull the plant from the ground.After flowering, small rounded capsules full of tiny seed form on the stalk. Plants are 1-4′ tall with a 1-2′ spread. CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Lobelia siphilitica prospers in shaded to partly sunny exposures with moist humus rich soil.All lobelias need sun or partial shade, and reliably moist soil. Annual lobelias look great in summer containers, particularly the trailing types, which look great spilling over the edge of a hanging basket. Growing in partial shade will ensure that the plants flower for longer, especially in a very hot summer.Though lobelia is typically a plant that prefers more sun than shade, it does, however, tend to decline if subjected to full sun during very hot summers. If this happens to your plant, you can revive it by cutting it back and then providing water regularly.
Why does my lobelia keep dying?
Why Is My Lobelia Dying? Lobelias are not fans of heat and humidity and thrive in cooler weather (spring and fall). They may stop flowering or die back during the heat of summer. Great Blue Lobelia is easy to plant from seed; seeds planted in the spring will flower later in the summer. They love wetter areas, making them perfect for rain gardens or areas that collect water after it rains. Read on for growing tips!Growing Lobelia Plant Lobelia seeds can be sown directly indoors. These plants typically require an area with full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They also prefer moist, rich soil. Start indoors about 10 to 12 weeks prior to the last frost in your region.Lobelia is not typically drought tolerant and will not be able to survive prolonged periods without rainfall or watering. Annual lobelia does not like wet feet and can be overwatered; do not water if the soil is moist. Perennial lobelia or cardinal flower are water lovers and can survive wetter planting locations.Lobelia can handle full sun, but if your temperatures soar during the summer you will want to provide the plants with shade. Place your lobelia in a container with a well-draining potting medium. Lobelia likes plenty of moisture, especially when it is hot.Caring For Lobelia in Planters Compact and trailing annual lobelias make great container plants that are easy to care for. Start the plants off right with well-draining soil and place the pots in a sunny location. Check the soil regularly for moisture and water when needed.
Is lobelia poisonous to dogs?
Lobelia is considered toxic for dogs and puppies. All parts of the plant are toxic to ingest, especially in large amounts. It is not harmful to come into skin contact with lobelia foliage or flowers. Lobelia contains toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, rapid heartbeat, and abdominal pain. Large doses of lobelia may cause serious toxic effects including sweating, convulsions, fast heartbeat, very low blood pressure, coma, and possibly death. Taking 0.The leaves and seed pods are the most commonly used medicinal parts of Lobelia. They have been shown to have antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, emetic, expectorant, and respiratory stimulant effects.Slugs and snails are known to eat lobelia, but most other animals will not ingest the plants during any season. Lobelia has a strong, tobacco-like scent that deters pests.Large doses of lobelia may cause serious toxic effects including sweating, convulsions, fast heartbeat, very low blood pressure, coma, and possibly death. Taking 0.
Is lobelia an indoor plant?
Lobelia does not typically do well as an indoor plant since it has very high sunlight needs. If brought indoors, give the plant as much sun as possible. Annual lobelia is a short-lived flowering plant and will not go dormant. Perennial lobelias should not be grown indoors. Potting and Repotting Lobelia Consider plastic containers to retain moisture but if you choose ceramic pots, just remember to check when to water the plant since it will dry out faster. If planting lobelia in a container or hanging basket, a good potting soil will keep this plant blooming all season long.If the soil surface is dry below the top layer, your lobelia needs to be watered. Other signs of needing water include drooping or dry foliage, browning leaves, and overall wilting. Signs of overwatering include limp, flopping stems, yellowing leaves, and dropping foliage.Place containers in full sun or partial shade depending on the variety and where you live. In hot summer areas, partial shade can be better for some types, helping them last for longer. Water well and regularly. Keeping up with water requirements is the most important thing when growing lobelia in pots.Lobelia benefits from a layer of compost at the time of planting and then one or two feedings per month in the growing season. Fertilizer for lobelia should be applied around the root zone of the plant. Apply fertilizer after thoroughly watering your plants to prevent root burn.Lobelia is cold-tolerant and thrives best when the temperature is above 0°C. During winter, it should be kept above -30°C. When the temperature falls below -35°C, although there may not be any noticeable changes during winter, there may be a decrease in sprouting or even no sprouting during springtime.
What happens to lobelia in winter?
Annual lobelias can be discarded after the first frosts to make way for your winter flowering annuals. Perennial Lobeila will die back, however, new growth will start to appear again the following spring. We advise growing your perennails in full sun to get best results, however they will tolerant some shade. Great blue lobelia will usually bloom in the first year. Allow the plants to self-sow. They are heavy feeders, so compost or apply granular fertilizer when they begin growth. Propagation by cuttings: Take two node stem cuttings (4-6 inches) before the flowers open and remove the lower leaf and half the upper leaf.The best time to trim or deadhead annual lobelia is in midsummer to fall if the plant gets leggy or loses its structure. The best time to cut back perennial lobelia is in late fall or late winter when the foliage dies back. The best time to remove or cut back annual lobelia is in the fall after the first frost.Annual lobelias can be discarded after the first frosts to make way for your winter flowering annuals. Perennial Lobeila will die back, however, new growth will start to appear again the following spring. We advise growing your perennails in full sun to get best results, however they will tolerant some shade.Perennial and tender perennial varieties of lobelia, on the other hand, do benefit from periodic division and splitting. Cardinal flower should be split, divided, and transplanted every 2-3 years in the early fall after flowering.Soil: requires a moist, but well-drained, rich organic soil. Position: most lobelias will grow in full sun or partial shade. Flowering: tiny colourful two-lipped flowers that repeatedly bloom, from spring until the first frosts. Feeding: use a controlled-release fertiliser when planting.
How long does lobelia last?
Lobelia erinus is the annual, producing masses of flowers throughout the summer and well into autumn until the first severe frosts. There are two types: the upright, bushy varieties and those that have longer, trailing stems, making them perfect for hanging baskets and the edges of containers. Cutting back garden lobelia by one-third after the first main bloom will encourage the plant to produce a second bloom in autumn. The first main flowering is usually over around the end of July.Lobelia erinus is the annual, producing masses of flowers throughout the summer and well into autumn until the first severe frosts. There are two types: the upright, bushy varieties and those that have longer, trailing stems, making them perfect for hanging baskets and the edges of containers.Growing Lobelia Indoors Lobelia typically does not do well indoors as a houseplant, especially over the winter. Lobelia is considered a flowering annual and requires long days of full sun to continue blooming, which your average houseplant does not receive.Lobelia is an easy-to-grow annual or perennial flower that does not require much in the way of pruning. Many of the annual lobelias are considered self-cleaning and do not require deadheading.At the end of the flowering season annual Lobelia are easily removed and can be placed on the compost heap to rot down. Perennial lobelia are best to be cut back in the autumn and given a mulch to protect the crown of the plant over the winter months.