When to Trim Lobelia. Less well-known are the hardy perennial types that produce straight stems clothed in bright tubular flowers in late summer. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/lobelia.htm They are known generally as lobelias. These newer types of Lobelia are much more heat tolerant than past plants. Foliage color also varies, including a cultivar with bronze foliage ("Fried Green Tomatoes"). Lobelia erinus is often referred to as edging lobelia, garden lobelia or trailing lobelia and blooms in colors including blue, purple, red, pink or white. Annual lobelia (Lobelia erinus), grown as a perennial in the warm climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 10, is a bushy, low-growing plant often used in flower beds and hanging baskets. Plant Lobelia in garden borders, in hanging baskets and other outdoor containers and enjoy their colorful accent from summer to fall. Various lobelia hybrids constitute a fine group of fairly hardy and showy garden plants. Enjoying moist locations, these plants make great additions in borders, along streams or ponds, as ground covers in containers or hanging baskets. in horticultural sciences. Compact and popular, Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia) is a tender perennial, usually grown as an annual, boasting masses of brightly colored flowers adorned with white or yellow throats from spring to the first frosts. Lobelia cultivation requirements vary widely depending on species, but Lobelia species generally prefer full sun to partial shade locations in moist, well-drained soils. There are more than 400 species that include upright and mounding lobelias, annuals, half-hardy annuals, perennials, and even shrubs and aquatic plants. Lobelia cultivar, Tania, has magenta blooms and grows 24 to 36 inches tall and spreads 12 inches. Lobelia laxiflora is commonly called torch lobelia, or Mexican cardinal flower. The plant produces … The mounding type, called edging lobelia, is beautiful for planting in rows in the front of beds and borders. Lobelia has so many uses for the lungs it would take me forever to list them all. Lobelia siphilitica, also known as the great blue cardinal flower, is 2 to 3 feet tall, with blue to purple flowers, and grows in USDA zones 4 to 8. Give the plant a light trim any time of year. Most types of lobelia have the bell-shaped blossoms characteristic of the campanulas, but otherwise they may differ dramatically in appearance. Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants comprising 415 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. It grows best in moist soil. Flowers appear in shades of blue, pink, white, purple and red. Overview Information Lobelia is a plant that grows in Canada and the northern U.S. As a general rule, annual lobelia does not like hot weather so if you live where summers steam up, move the plants to a partially shady location away from the beating sun. Its blooms are red and yellow. they are alternately arranged. Lobelia inflata is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant growing to 15–100 cm (5.9–39.4 in) tall, with stems covered in tiny hairs. Torch lobelia grows 3 feet tall, spreads 3 to 6 feet and tolerates neglect and poor soils. If you experience an extended time period with high night temperatures the plants may flush out of bloom, however, the plants themselves should continue to look good. Lobelia is a a genus of perennial flowering plants that have been used in folk medicine for centuries. Edging lobelias grow from 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 18 inches, and are hardy in zones 7 through 11. Note: All Lobelias are poisonous. It's similar in appearance to L. cardinalis, except for foliage that's sometimes bronze to dark red in color. Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial lobelia variety that grows 2 to 4 feet tall in an erect pattern. Perennial type of lobelia (not to be confused with the low-growing, often blue annual types) are magnets for hummingbirds, so they're great for wildlife gardens. Hybrids developed from Lobelia fulgens, L. cardinalis, and L. siphilitica are designated as Lobelia x speciosa. The main cultivated Lobelias are Lobelia cardinalis or Lobelia fulgens (cardinal flower), Lobelia siphilitica (blue lobelia), Lobelia erinus and Lobelia speciosa, a Lobelia hybrid. Edging lobelias grow from 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 18 inches, and are hardy in zones 7 through 11. Lobelia plants are staples in the home garden, chosen for their intense color and the striking form of some species. Lobelia looks great in hanging pots and flowerpots, and in land plantings in flowerbeds. Compact, upright forms are used for border edging and rock gardens, while trailing varieties suit plant containers, window boxes and hanging baskets, where they can spill over the edge. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Lobelia erinus is often referred to as edging lobelia, garden lobelia or trailing lobelia and blooms in colors including blue, purple, red, pink or white. Edging lobelias grow from 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 18 inches, and are hardy in zones 7 through 11. lobelia image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com. Native Americans understood the potential medicinal value of this powerfu… Cultivars often have longer blooming periods and various colors, including "Arabella's Vision" (bright red) and "Twilight Zone" (pink). Annual lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a tiny edging plant with electric indigo-colored flowers.Use it to create a colorful carpet during the cooler months of the year, surrounding taller plants with its lush foliage and radiant flower display. Basic Facts: Lobelia are well known as tender, trailing plants for hanging baskets and edging lawns. The timing depends on the type of pruning. Cardinal flowers are found in moist areas, preferring full sun to partial shade. The three types of pruning that benefit lobelia plants are removing spent flowers, pinching, and cutting back. Pinching is an early spring task. Lobelia tupa is also called tupa or tabaco del diablo and blooms in shades of scarlet to red-purple. The said herb is known to be very effective in treating various ailments. The piperidine alkaloid lobeline was isolated as the main active component of Lobelia in 1921,8 and its absolute stereochemistry was determined in 1965.9 The main chemicals identified in Lobelia species are the alkaloids, in particular lobeline, as well as lobelanine, norlobelanine, lobelanidine, and radicamine, among others, and flavonoids, such as apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. Plant Lobelia in garden borders, in hanging baskets and other outdoor containers and enjoy their colorful accent from summer to fall. Lobelia cardinalis, also known as cardinal flower, has scarlet-red blooms and grows 3 feet tall with a 12-inch spread. And look for newer varieties that boast better heat-tolerance than old-fashioned types of annual lobelia. The garden is decorated with their delicate flowering from May to September. long (1 cm), feature large fan-shaped lower lips. Lobelias do not tolerate drought. Lobelia ‘Queen Victoria’ Cardinal Flower: USDA Zone: 7-9: Plant number: 1.328.050. Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Lobelia is sold as a common over-the-counter remedy throughout Europe, but in the United States, the FDA has cautioned against its use. According to their website, 500 mg doses are fatal. Lobelia inflatahas pale colored flowers, compared to its cousin species, and it belongs to the Lobeliaceae plant family. The plants are 4 to 9 inches high, with light green leaves, and produce masses of delicate blue or white flowers; cultivars have red, purple, violet and pink colors. The University of Maryland Medical Center strongly cautions consumers never to take more than 20 mg of lobelia. Its leaves are usually about 8 cm (3.1 in) long, and are ovate and toothed. They will reliably bloom in warm temperatures unless night temperatures stay in the upper 70's or above. Great blue lobelia grows in zones 5 through 10. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is native to North America in USDA zones 3 to 9, growing 2 to 3 feet high with an upright mound of green foliage, and bearing short-lived, scarlet-red, tubular flowers on spikes. Hybrids developed from Lobelia fulgens, L. cardinalis, and L. siphilitica are designated as Lobelia x speciosa. If you experience an extended time period with high night temperatures the plants may flush out of bloom, however, the plants themselves should continue to look good. And although cobalt blue may be their signature hue, you’ll also find lobelia flowers in scarlet red, lilac, rose, and vibrant tropical colors. Lobelia erinus is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11, usually grown as an annual in cooler zones. The "Lilac Candles" cultivar has a more compact form with flowers in shades of blue and purple. Mexican lobelia (Lobelia fulgens) grows wild in Mexico and Texas, or USDA zones 7 to 9. Another type of cardinal flower, the Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ is a celebrated garden flower during the late summertime. Some types mound, others trail. It has violet flowers that are tinted yellow on the inside, and usually appear in mid-summer and continue to bloom into fall. The above ground parts are used to make medicine. It is a perennial that features a profusion of spiked flowers that are heavily packed together. Lobelia is a group of flowering plants native to North America. Tania The genus Lobelia includes several hundred species that are part of the campanula (Campanulaceae) family. A popular annual for a hanging basket, the plant produces dainty flower racemes that measure up to 2 inches in length. This type of lobelia is perennial only in zones 10 and 11. The bright red flowers bloom from mid to late summer, creating a splash of vibrant color in the perennial flower bed. Upright flower stems bear spikes of bright, often tubular flowers. They will reliably bloom in warm temperatures unless night temperatures stay in the upper 70's or above. Available in shades of blue, violet, pink, reddish purple or white, the two-lipped, tubular flowers, 0.5 in. Lobelia can range in the blue to purple color hues. Lobelia siphilitica is also known as great blue lobelia, and grows 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Southern lobelia (L. georgiana), from North America, as well as great blue lobelia (L. siphilitica) and its hybrids, also have blue flowers. Marie Roberts is a writer based in Florida. There are hundreds of different varieties of lobelia. Trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus) grows to a height of approximately 4 to 9 inches and spreads up to 6 inches. Types of Lobelia. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Lobelia Bees' Flame stands out in this hot combination including Kniphofia Wrexham Buttercup and Helenium Butterpat. Types of Lobelia Flower for the Home Garden. Cardinal flowers are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 10. This lobelia species is clump-forming, upright, and quite popular. Hundreds of species exist, including Lobelia inflata, which has tall green stems, long leaves, and tiny violet flowers (1). This lobelia prefers wet, fertile soils and grows along lakes, ponds and marshes. She has a B.S. It reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet with a 36-inch spread. Pinch back newly emerging stems when they are about six inches long. Slender lobelia (L. tenuior), with blue flowers, is Australian and grown in the greenhouse. Lobelia Care . These newer types of Lobelia are much more heat tolerant than past plants. Aug 12, 2013 - Types of Lobelia. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Ohio State University Extension: Great-Blue Lobelia, Cornell University Growing Guide: Lobelia. Grow Tania in zones 4 through 10. Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). Pinch newly planted lobelia when they recover from transplanting. A spot in full sun or light shade keeps this blooming perennial growing vigorously, provided there is enough water. Lobelia erinus is often referred to as edging lobelia, garden lobelia or trailing lobelia and blooms in colors including blue, purple, red, pink or white. For this reason, in the North, it is treated as if it were an annual and functions in the ways that another popular bedding plant functions: sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima). Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. All Rights Reserved. actually an entire genus of flowering plants that are primarily found in tropical and temperate areas of the world The genus Lobelia includes several hundred species that are part of the campanula (Campanulaceae) family. Grow tupa in USDA zones 8 through 10. Several studies have already proven the herbal plant’s efficacy in treating diseases like asthma, bronchitis, congestion, whooping cough and different types of allergies. They are terrific plants for the boggy garden, adapting well to ‘wet feet', but growing equally well under average conditions. The perennial Lobelias have upright spikes of large flowers, not at all like the more familiar trailing types grown in hanging baskets. Annual lobelia is in its glory during the cool weather of spring and fall. Roberts began writing in 2002. Upright flower stems bear spikes of bright, often tubular flowers. Although there are over 300 species of lobelia, the most commonly used herb is Lobelia inflata, which is native to the Northeastern United States. Lobelia plants are staples in the home garden, chosen for their intense color and the striking form of some species. Lobelia works best as a border or in a rock garden. The cascading type is stunning, like a sapphire waterfall, spilling from window boxes or pots. Lobelia inflata is an herb found in the southeastern part of Canada and the eastern half of the United States, with the exception of Florida. Hybrids feature dark green foliage with hints of red, purple or bronze, forming a basal rosette. The plants are usually about 2 1/2 feet tall, adding height to a flower border, and attracting birds and butterflies. Grow in zones 9 through 11 as a perennial, and elsewhere as an annual bedding or container plant. Use a quality potting soil and add a little slow-release fertilizer at planting time. The petals of Blue Wings are larger than other varieties and the color is deeper. Lobelia x gerardii cv. Plants for Gardens That Look to the Southwest, Compatible Planting for the California Poppy Flower, How to Care for 'Catalina Blue' Wishbone Flowers, Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia Erinus, Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia Cardinalis, Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia Siphilitica 'Lilac Candles', Missouri Botanical Garden: Lobelia x Speciosa, Royal Horticultural Society: Lobelia Cardinalis AGM, Life Expectancy of the Kangaroo Paw Flower, Flowering Plants With Leaves That Resemble Small Hollyhock Leaves. Tubular flowers grow on spikes in lavender, pink and red colors, with long blooming periods from July to September. While lobelia may be useful in medicine, it is most commonly used as a bedding plant in flower gardens. This particular variety falls into a light purple range. When arranging flowerbeds, you can use and combine with each other different varieties and colors of lobelia or shade the delicate beauty of lobelia with other decorative colors. 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