It is not invasive (like goose-neck loosestrife), just puts a clump or two around the bed. And blooms just when the summer bloomers are fading! What a great plant! This plant is much easier to please than the better-known Scarlet Lobelia, so that most gardeners should be able to find a place for it in their landscape.

Is Lobelia an annual or perennial?

Annual Lobelia, Edging Lobelia, Trailing Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Blue Lobelia, Dwarf Annual Lobelia. 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 …

How big does a Lobelia plant get?

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

What month do you plant lobelia?

Planting lobelia Bedding plants should be planted out at the end of May or early June, after the fear of any frosts. If you have a greenhouse or other protected growing area, you can plant up containers and hanging baskets earlier for the plants to grow on and so flower earlier, before putting outside in early summer.

Is Lobelia a mint?

It is in the Mint family, and where there are many flowers blooming, the pungent fragrance can fill the air. There are numerous showy blossoms on each stem and the plants are typically a foot and a half tall.

Is Lobelia Siphilitica poisonous?

Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma.

Is Lobelia a good house plant?

The profusion of blooms makes growing lobelia in a pot an excellent choice. Deciding to grow lobelia in planters is a great way to ensure the success of this flower. Although these flowering plants are beautiful, they do require some specific growing conditions to truly thrive.

Can lobelia be planted in the ground?

Perennial lobelias are best planted in spring. Dig over the planting area, incorporating lots of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, especially if you’re planting Lobelia cardinalis, which needs very moist soil. Dig a hole that’s the same size of the rootball.

How far apart should I plant lobelia?

Planting lobelia If you have a greenhouse or other protected growing area, you can plant up containers and hanging baskets earlier for the plants to grow on and so flower earlier, before putting outside in early summer. Plant out at a distance of 10-15cm (4-6in) apart.

Is the Lobelia plant an annual or a perennial?

Lobelia is a perennial plant that is often considered an annual because growing conditions must be perfect for it to survive to rebloom another year. More than 360 species of lobelia are grown as annuals, perennials or shrubs. The trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is the plant most commonly found growing along the edge of the flower bed.

Where to buy Lobelia plants?

It is commonly sold in the annuals section of the garden center and has a wide variety of uses even in regions where it is not a perennial. In the North, lobelia blooms all summer and into fall, until the first frost.

What is perennial has flowers like Lobelia?

Lobelia siphilitica – Sometimes called blue cardinal flower, this species is also perennial and grows up to 3 feet tall. Plants will bloom with bright to deep blue flowers that are long-lasting. There are several more species of lobelia, including L. inflata or Indian tobacco, which has medicinal uses.

Are Lobelia plants perennials?

Perennial lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis) is a popular garden plant. Its blossoms are a striking scarlet shade held high above plum colored foliage. This lobelia grows up to three feet in height. Lobelia plants are often used around ponds, streams and other damp soil areas. They are native to North America.