are lobelia perennial uk

Type: Half-hardy perennial, usually grown in the UK as a half-hardy annual. Hardiness: H2 - Half-hardy, protect from frost.

Do Lobelia come back every year?

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.

Is Lobelia an annual or perennial?

Lobelia erinus is the annual variety of the plant and comes in many species. It is not hardy in cold temperatures and will not survive being frozen. The Lobelia x speciosa varieties are perennials.

Will lobelia survive winter?

Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'

If your soil is not too cold or wet in winter, this wonderful tender perennial will survive outside in a sunny, sheltered spot (provided you can keep the slugs and snails off!).

How do I get my lobelia back?

Give the plant a light trim with a pair of scissors when it needs a bit of tidying. This includes trimming to remove spent blossoms. For spiky types, wait until the entire spike has faded before clipping out the stems. Cut back the plant by half or more at the end of its bloom period.

Does lobelia grow back every year UK?

Lobelia erinus is the annual, producing masses of flowers throughout the summer and well into autumn until the first severe frosts. There are two types: the upright, bushy varieties and those that have longer, trailing stems, making them perfect for hanging baskets and the edges of containers.

Is Lobelia a sun or shade?

Annual lobelia is a cool-season plant that can tolerate most light conditions, including shade. Light: Shade, part sun, or full sun. Water: Plant in well-drained, moist soil. Size: Up to 3 feet tall.

Is Lobelia a hardy?

Hardiness: H2 - Half-hardy, protect from frost.

Should I cut back lobelia?

Use clean shears and prune lobelia when the foliage is dry to prevent the spread of disease-causing fungal spores. Trailing lobelia varieties, such as those in hanging baskets, also benefit from cutting back. Cut these back far enough to remove the spent flowers but don't remove the hanging stems completely.

Is blue lobelia a perennial?

Lobelia siphilitica, commonly called great lobelia or blue cardinal flower, is a Missouri native perennial which typically grows in moist to wet locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps, meadows and in low wooded areas.

Why do my lobelia keep dying?

Too Little Water

During warm weather, lobelia leaves and flowers can dry out. If the dehydration is too severe, the plant may die. Water your lobelia in pots consistently so the soil stays moist and never draws away from the side of the container.

Is an unheated greenhouse frost free?

An unheated greenhouse in winter will not only allow you to grow hardy veggies, but you can start tender annuals, propagate perennials, and overwinter cold sensitive plants. ... That said, when winter nights get really cold, frost damage in the greenhouse can occur without added protection.

Will lobelia bloom all summer?

Lobelia is an easy-to-grow, carefree plant that enjoys cool weather. This summertime bloomer will continue to produce flowers on up through the first frost. Growing lobelia is an asset to the garden.

Does lobelia need a lot of water?

Watering Lobelia

Annual lobelia requires frequent watering during the growing season because the short roots remain near the surface. Water slowly, using a garden hose or drip system, to saturate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

What does lobelia look like?

Often grown as container and edging plants, they can have bushy or trailing habits. The tiny five-petaled flowers bloom in shades of blue, purple, rose, and white, with some accented by white eyes. Cardinal flower (L. cardinalis), named for its showy spikes of scarlet-red flowers, is the most popular perennial variety.

How often do you water lobelia?

Blue lobelia grows best in moist soil, so regular watering results in the healthiest plants and attractive flowers. The plant needs watering about twice a week, especially during dry periods, so the top 6 inches of soil remain moist at all times.

Is Lobelia toxic to dogs?

Lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis), which is of the family Campanulaceae and is also known as Indian pink and cardinal flower, is one of many plants that are poisonous to dogs when ingested.

What Colour is lobelia?

Traditionally, lobelia has been offered in every shade of blue known. Now, lobelia has started to break into the pink, lavender and dark-purple color ranges. White is another traditional color of lobelia, but bicolors of white and blue, and white and lavender are starting to become available.

How long does lobelia take to grow from seed?

The germination can take 14-20 days. Sow the seeds from February onwards, generally about 7 weeks before you want to transplant the seedlings. Placing the seeds into a polythene bag can aid germination by keeping these flower seeds warm and moist.

Do cardinal flowers spread?

Cardinal flower is a member of the Lobelia family and Lobelia like rich, moist, well drained soil. In their natural setting they are found near streams, ponds, and boggy areas. ... The blooms rise above the leaves 3 to 4 feet, and the plant will spread 1 to 2 feet.

Can you take cuttings from lobelia?

Propagating lobelia from cuttings is not difficult, as the plants tend to set roots quickly. Cut a 6-inch section of lobelia stem that includes two leaves. Take the cuttings while the flowers are still buds. Remove the lower leaf and cut the upper leaf in half with sharp scissors.