Care of the plant Lobelia laxiflora or Mexican 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 laxiflora, Lobelia excelsa, Lobelia erinus, Lobelia fulgens, Lobelia tenuior, Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia syphilitica, Lobelia splendens. Common names: Mexican lobelia, Mexican cardinalflower, Looseflowers lobelia, Drooping lobelia. This species is native to South, Central, and North America. They are perennial plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. They have long and narrow leaves. The showy flowers are tubular in shape and orange-red in color. They bloom from mid spring to late fall. They are used to create groups combined with other plants such as Teucrium, Echium, Bupleurum, Agapanthus, Cineraria, Helychrysum, etc. They are suitable for gardens by the sea. Lobelia laxiflora can grow in direct sun, semi-shade and shade exposures. They resist frosts down to -10 ºC (14 ºF) but lose their leaves and sprout again in spring. The soil must be well drained, contain organic matter and a little lime. Planting is done in spring They are drought resistant plants. Water every 10 days in summer and much less the rest of the year. Fertilize in autumn with manure and in spring with mineral fertilizer every 20 days. They do not need pruning; their expansion must be watched because they tend to become invasive. They are quite resistant plants to pests and diseases but are sensitive to excess humidity. They propagate by division in early spring. |
Images of the plant Lobelia laxiflora or Mexican lobelia |
 Lobelia laxiflora  Lobelia laxiflora  Lobelia laxiflora  Lobelia laxiflora  Lobelia laxiflora |