Lobelia | Heijnen Plants

100cm

Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria' Cardinal flower

5-10cm

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The genus Lobelia encompasses a diverse range of plants, widely celebrated for their vibrant and striking floral displays. Among them, the giant Lobelia and the whimsically named gin and tonic Lobelia stand out for their impressive stature and captivating red blooms. These Lobelia species are renowned for their upright growth habit and the deep purple foliage that provides a dramatic backdrop to the fiery red flowers that grace the plant in the late summer and early autumn months.

Key Features

Lobelia species are a magnificent addition to any garden space, boasting several noteworthy characteristics:

Flowering Profusion: The Lobelia genus is particularly noted for its long flowering period, which spans from August through October, offering a spectacular red flourish in your garden when many other plants have ceased blooming.
Foliage Display: Lobelia plants are adorned with unique purple foliage throughout the spring, summer, and autumn, contributing an enduring splash of color to the garden palette.
Growth and Structure: With an upright growth manner, Lobelia species can reach an ultimate height of approximately 1 meter, making them an ideal choice for adding vertical interest to borders and group plantings.
Soil and Watering Adaptability: They thrive in well-drained soil of any type and have average water needs, making them a manageable choice for gardeners.
Propagation: Lobelia can be easily propagated through division, thus ensuring the health of the plant and encouraging new growth.

Tips

To ensure your Lobelia plants thrive and provide the best possible display, consider the following tips:

Optimal Planting Location: Lobelia should be planted in sunny locations to promote the healthiest growth and most abundant flowering.
Watering Needs: While they have average water requirements, consistent watering is key, especially during dry spells, as Lobelia is not drought-resistant.
Propagation Practices: The best times to divide and propagate Lobelia are in the spring or autumn. This routine maintenance will rejuvenate your plants and help maintain their vigor.
Seasonal Care: As a deciduous genus, Lobelia will shed its leaves annually. After the flowering season and foliage die-back, you can cut back the stems to tidy up the plant and prepare it for the next growing season.

By incorporating Lobelia into your garden, you will be rewarded with a striking vertical element, robust red blooms, and a delightful purple foliage that lasts from spring until the first frosts of autumn.

Types

Embrace the regal presence of 'Queen Victoria' as she graces your garden with her striking spires of crimson blooms, set against dark, bronzed foliage. The Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria' is a true garden sovereign, offering a dramatic flair to any landscape and inviting a myriad of pollinators to its rich, nectar-filled flowers. This perennial beauty promises to be the jewel in the crown of your outdoor sanctuary.

The Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria', commonly known as the cardinal flower, is a vibrant addition to any garden space with its striking red blossoms. Blooming in the later months of summer through to autumn, August to October, this plant provides a splash of color when many others begin to fade. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a point of interest in their borders or beds, and its fiery hue is a magnet for pollinators, adding both beauty and ecological value to your outdoor sanctuary.

Ideal placement of a Lobelia

For optimal growth, Lobelia should be placed in a location that receives full sun. This exposure ensures the plant can produce its vibrant red blooms prolifically during the late summer months. While Lobelia is adaptable to various soil types, it thrives best in well-drained conditions. To accommodate its average water needs, ensure that the soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. An area that provides the balance between sufficient sunlight and appropriate moisture levels will allow this species to reach its full potential, displaying its striking purple foliage and red flowers to stunning effect.

Planting a Lobelia

For successful planting, ensure that the Lobelia is placed in well-drained soil, which can accommodate its average water needs. Being a {X. pot-grown} variety, this species can be transplanted into the garden throughout the growing season, avoiding periods of frost. Choose a sunny location to promote vibrant flowering from August to October. Upon planting, water the specimen adequately to establish roots, taking care not to oversaturate the soil. Regular watering will support the plant's upright growth habit as it reaches its ultimate height of 1 meter, showcasing its striking purple foliage and red blooms.

Fertilising a Lobelia

To ensure vigorous growth and a profusion of stunning red blooms, it is imperative to fertilize Lobelia appropriately. Commence feeding in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support the initial flush of foliage. As the growing season progresses, particularly when flower buds begin to form, consider a second application of fertilizer to bolster blooming potential. Ensure that the product is evenly distributed around the base of the plant, taking care not to concentrate it against the stems, which could cause damage.

For Lobelia, which thrives in well-drained soils under full sun, maintaining a consistent fertilization schedule will not only enhance the vibrancy of its purple foliage and red flowers but will also contribute to the overall health and longevity of these striking plants.

Pruning a Lobelia

To maintain the health and aesthetic appeal of Lobelia, minimal pruning is required. After flowering has concluded, usually in late autumn, cut back the stems to encourage a tidy form and potentially extend blooming. This also prepares the plant for the colder months ahead. During the growing season, occasional deadheading of spent flowers can promote further blooming and enhance the vibrancy of its upright growth habit. Always ensure that any pruning is done with clean, sharp tools to minimize stress to the plant.

Watering a Lobelia

The Lobelia thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during the flowering period from August to October. It is essential to ensure that the soil remains well-drained yet does not dry out completely, as this species is not drought-resistant. Regular watering will support the upright growth habit and the development of the striking purple foliage and red blooms. During peak summer months, be vigilant with water supply to counteract the effects of intense sun. However, avoid overwatering, as standing water can be detrimental to the health of the plant.

The characteristics of a Lobelia

The Lobelia, often cultivated in containers, thrives with consistent moisture; however, it's crucial to ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging its roots. This species is known for its vibrant blossoms, which can create a stunning visual impact in any garden setting. Additionally, despite its delicate appearance, it is quite resilient and can tolerate lower temperatures than many assume, as long as it is protected from frost. Its foliage remains lush and attractive throughout the growing season, enhancing its appeal.

Separating/dividing a Lobelia

To propagate Lobelia effectively, division is the preferred method. It's advisable to undertake this process in the cooler temperatures of spring or autumn. Begin by carefully lifting the plant from the soil and observe the natural divisions within the root structure. These can be gently teased apart, ensuring each division has a good portion of roots. Once separated, re-plant the divisions immediately, providing them with well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight to thrive. Regular division not only stimulates robust growth but also helps in maintaining the health and aesthetic appeal of this upright species.

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