Care of the plant Lobelia erinus or Garden lobelia |
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The genus Lobelia, family Campanulaceae, comprises 400 species of perennial and annual herbaceous plants native to Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia. Some species are: Lobelia erinus, Lobelia excelsa, Lobelia laxiflora, Lobelia fulgens, Lobelia tenuior, Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia syphilitica, Lobelia splendens. Common names: Garden lobelia, Trailing lobelia, Edging lobelia. This species is native to southern Africa. They are annual herbaceous plants that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. They have alternate oblong, spatulate or ovate leaves. The abundant blue flowers can hide the leaves. They bloom during spring, summer, and fall. They are used in rockeries, in borders and in pots for terraces and balconies. Lobelia erinus prefers a semi-shaded or shaded exposure if the summer is very hot. They do not resist cold or frost. The soil can be a mixture of leaf mulch with sand, peat, and clay. The transplant should be done in spring. Water frequently so that the soil is always moist but not puddled. Fertilize every 20 days with mineral fertilizer during the flowering season. They can be attacked by insects. They propagate from seeds sown in late winter. |
Images of the plant Lobelia erinus or Garden lobelia |
 Lobelia erinus  Lobelia erinus  Lobelia erinus  Lobelia erinus |