What Does Lobelia Look Like

The tiny five-petaled flowers bloom in shades of blue, purple, rose, and white, with some accented by white eyes. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), named for its showy spikes of scarlet-red flowers, is the most popular perennial variety. Some varieties also have ornamental reddish-bronze foliage.

Is lobelia a sun or shade?

“Annual” Lobelia, a Plant of Many Uses Botanical Name Lobelia erinus Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade Soil Type Friable, evenly moist, and well-drained Soil pH Slightly acidic to neutral Bloom Time In the North, lobelia blooms all summer and into fall, until the first frost.

What does perennial lobelia look like?

Perennial lobelia Lobelia cardinalis Black TrufflePurple-black foliage with purple-red highlights. Scarlet red flowers in summer. Bright scarlet flowers in summer and autumn. Lobelia tupa Dark, bright red flowers in summer and autumn.

Do lobelia come back every year?

Lobelia in winter will die back no matter which variety you have. However, the annual Lobelia may not come back at all even if it formed seed. However, it is easy to plant from seed in controlled situations. Perennial plants will die back but, if given proper care, should flourish anew when temperatures warm up.

How do you keep lobelia blooming all summer?

Water regularly. Lobelia requires consistent soil moisture for prolific blooms. Water the plants regularly in the absence of rainfall, so that the soil is moist but not soggy. To help keep the soil surrounding lobelia consistently moist, mulch with a 2-inch layer of ground bark or leaf mold.

Is lobelia a good house plant?

Lobelia seeds can be sown directly in the garden or indoors for later transplanting. 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.

What are the benefits of lobelia?

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Historically, Native Americans smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma.Medicinal Uses and Indications Asthma. Bronchitis. Cough.

How big do lobelia plants grow?

Height: Annuals reach a maximum height of about 12 inches. Perennials can grow to be 4 feet high.

How do you look after lobelia?

Water perennial lobelias, especially Lobelia cardinalis, regularly – the soil needs to be kept moist at all times. Feed with an all-purpose, balanced food in spring and early summer, switching to a high potash feed from midsummer. Cut back old flower stems after flowering and trim back the old foliage in autumn.

What is a Bush lobelia?

Mexican bush lobelia is a sprawling perennial with a fast growth rate, reaching 2-3 ft. high, spreading 4-6 ft. across. Medium green leaves are long, narrow and attached to lax stems. Colorful tubular flowers are orange and red with yellow tips, and occur in large numbers from late spring through summer.

What does lobelia symbolize?

What Do Lobelia Flowers Symbolize? These flowers have many potential meanings, depending on the color of the flower and where you live. In some cultures, they symbolize love while others associate them with good luck or prosperity. These flowers are also often worn as jewelry to symbolize love or friendship.

How do you plant Lobelia cardinalis?

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Lobelia cardinalis prospers in shaded to partly sunny exposures with moist humus rich soil. Plants tolerate sunny sites if sufficient moisture is present. The species adapts to sandy loam and gravelly or clay soil but will not tolerate drought.

What Colour is lobelia?

What is this? Flowers: Lobelia produces large amounts of 5 lobed, asymmetrical flowers that are available in blue, violet, purple, white and red shades throughout the summertime. Foliage: The lance-shaped, small leaves are hidden under the flowers.

Will lobelia regrow if cut back?

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.

Can lobelia grow in pots?

Growing Lobelia in Containers These petite pink, white, or blue flowers create a dramatic impact in planters. The profusion of blooms makes growing lobelia in a pot an excellent choice. These plants require consistent moisture, but they do not grow well when overwatered or when containers have become waterlogged.

What goes well with lobelia?

Pair lobelia with with other cool weather plants for a full container during the spring. The electric blue of some lobelia varieties will complement pansies, violas, white snapdragons, alyssum or dusty miller. Lobelia can also create beautiful, full, mounding containers when planted on their own.

How many lobelia are in pots?

10 Plant Flower pouch 30cm (12″) patio container Lobelia 10 10 Pansy and Viola 10 8 Petunia (trailing) 8 5 Primrose and Polyanthus 10 7.

Is lobelia poisonous?

When taken by mouth: Lobelia is LIKELY UNSAFE for most people. Large doses of lobelia may cause serious toxic effects including sweating, convulsions, fast heartbeat, very low blood pressure, coma, and possibly death. Taking 0.6-1 gram of the leaf is said to be toxic, and 4 grams may be fatal.

Does lobelia like to be fertilized?

Fertilize to Promote Healthy Blooms Although a yearly feeding is sufficient for perennials, annual lobelia requires frequent feeding to sustain energy for blooming throughout the season. Use a liquid fertilizer with a ratio such as 12-4-8, mixed at a rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water every two to three weeks.

Does lobelia make you sleepy?

Some people take lobelia as a sedative to help them relax. Other people use it to increase sweating.

How do you make lobelia tea?

Make a tea from one heaping teaspoon of lobelia in a pint of boiling water and let steep for twenty minutes. when cool give the patient one quarter teaspoon of liquid every fifteen minutes until vomiting stops.

Is lobelia flower edible?

Edible Uses: The buds and young plants are cooked and used as a famine food[177, 179]. Caution is advised because they contain a toxic alkaloid[179].