CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Annuals: Lobelia

[CyberSalad] [Garden Pursuits] [Garden Quotes] [Garden Journal] [The Language of Flowers] [Monthly Chores]
[Garden Poetry] [Zone Maps] [First/Last Frost Dates] [Trees] [Ground Covers] [Fruit/Berries] [Water Garden]
[Gardening Links] [Vegetables] [Lawn] [Raised Beds] [Bulbs, etc.] [Shrubs] [Perennials] [Annuals] [Herbs]

Lobelia erinus

Introduced more than 200 years ago from the region around the Cape of Good Hope, the original wild forms of lobelia have been bred to bloom more profusely. There are both trailing varieties, with billowing masses of blossoms, and more compact bedding types, seldom exceeding 6 inches in height. The 1/2- to 3/4-inch-wide flowers, borne along each stem, are blue on the common varieties, but white and carmine types have also been developed. Trailing varieties of lobelia are prized for window boxes, hanging baskets, and planters. They are also used as ground covers. Other types are excellent for edges, beds, and borders. Although the plants do best in full sun and moist, rich soil where summers are cool, they will grow surprizingly well in hot areas if given partial shade.
Edging lobelia is not ordinarily sown directly in the garden because it does not begin to flower until two months after seed is planted. Start the seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost is due; since the seeds are very small, plant them on top of finely prepared soil without covering them. Or buy started plants already in blossom and set them in the garden after all danger of frost is past, spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart.

'Blue Moon', compact, spreading plant produces midnight-blue flowers enhanced by rich green foliage.

Sign Our Guestbook

View Our Guestbook

	©2000-2007 Garden Pursuits. All Rights Reserved. WebMistress: Barbara Anders This site best viewed in 800x600 resolution. Graphics on this site are for my personal use only, and are not available for download. Please do not take.

Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.