 |
|
|
| Lobelia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOBELIA Facts |
|
COLORS |
Blue, white, lilac, rose |
|
LIGHT |
Partial shade to sun |
|
SOIL |
Rich, well drained |
|
WATER |
Before soil becomes dry |
|
pH |
6.0 to 6.8 |
|
HARDINESS |
Cannot tolerate frost, but likes cool weather |
|
TIP |
Combine lobelia with petunias, pansies, or geraniums. Blue varieties work well with white, yellow, and some shades of pink. |
|
|
|
LOBELIA |
|
Lobelias are petite-sized annuals that are ideal to mix and match with larger flowers in beds or containers. Lobelia is well-suited for planting in small spaces where you want a splash of blue or white. Look at the plant tag to see if the variety has a compact or trailing growth habit. Use compact types for edgings and plant cascading varieties in window boxes and other containers. Lobelia thrives in cool weather and tends to disappear in hot weather, so it is more popular in areas where summer is cooler than average. Planted after the last frost in spring, lobelias bloom continuously until frost. |
Lobelia thrives in cool weather and tends to disappear in hot weather, so it is more popular in areas where summer is cooler than average. |
|
|
|
FERTILIZING LOBELIA |
|
Lobelia grows best when the plants receive a constant supply of both water and nutrients. It is essential that the soil contain plenty of organic matter to help it hold moisture well. Cultivate the planting site at least 8 inches deep and mix in a 2-inch deep layer of flower planting mix, compost, or other type of organic matter. Also mix in a timed-release fertilizer with a high middle number, such as VigoroŽ Timed Release Flower & Vegetable Plant Food. The extra phosphorous will help the plants develop extensive roots.
Each little lobelia plant will produce hundreds of flowers. Trailing types benefit from shearing back in midsummer. Cut back the plants by half their size and fertilize the pruned plants with VigoroŽ Timed Release Flower and Vegetable Plant Food. Sprinkle this "booster feeding" onto the soil between the plants and water well. Fertilize mounding lobelias the same way without cutting them back.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|