Most cuttings are made from branches with growing tips on them. The soil should feel moist but not saturated. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Although cardinal flower likes moist soil, it doesn’t like sitting in cold, wet soil all winter. The problem is solved cardinal cutting after which the second wave of blossoming begins. Perennial Lobelia species make good herbaceous border plants; Lobelia to Grow Propagation by seed: Plant Lobelia seeds indoors early in the spring, or sow directly into the moist soil outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Lobelia erinus is a trailing species with masses of purple or blue flowers. Lobelia is a popular plant because it has hard to find true-blue flowers. Varieties of Lobelia available at gardening centers are generally inexpensive, but propagating Lobelia from cuttings can stretch garden budgets even further. Place in moistened potting soil in a shady area until well rooted. This eye catching lobelia is a true perennial with hardiness throughout USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. Lobelia laxiflora is a sprawling perennial with medium green leaves and colorful tubular flowers. The dainty blooms have a tubular base with narrow corolla from which the anthers protrude. This eye catching lobelia is a true perennial with hardiness throughout USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. North Carolina Farms, Inc. It has erect stems, ranges from 2 to 3 feet in height, and blooms in late summer. Lobelia is a genus of about 370 species of annuals, perennials (even some aquatics) and shrubs. The timing depends on the type of pruning. Noteworthy Characteristics. For the best results, our resident experts recommend planting perennials in … It’s especially effective in hanging baskets, flower pouches and other containers, where its trailing stems spill over the sides bearing masses of flowers, throughout summer. Generally not long-lived. These two little plants grow only about 6 inches tall. If you require more perennial Lobelia plants then you can take divisions or cuttings of the plants in spring or summer. Lobelia Care This type of lobelia is perennial only in zones 10 and 11. Perennial Lobelias look stunning planted in groups towards the back of a mixed herbaceous border. Lobelia tupa may need some winter protection. Make sure that the stem has a growing tip on it so that it is actively growing. It also encourages the plant to produce more flowers over a longer period of time. Leave approximately half of the cuttings above the soil. ... For experimental gardeners, water-lobelia or perennial-lobelia can be very interesting. Use your garden shears to cut several 4 to 5-inch pieces of stem growth from the donor Lobelia plant. 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. Lobelia 'Black Truffle' was discovered by native plantsman Peter Heus of West Virginia and is brought to the market by Plants Nouveau. A profusion of flowers, borne singly at the tips of long pedicels, appear from October to March. The small flowers from the lobelia plant are sure to bring color to your garden while at the same time attracting lovely visitors such as hummingbirds. Push cuttings into the wet soil. Yes. The annual forms tend to get weedy when temperatures get hot in summer but can be rejuvenated by cutting the plants back by half. Unrooted Cuttings Cuttings vary in size between different plant families, but most can be described as tip cuttings (ivy are leaf-and-eye stem cuttings not tips) that stick nicely in small plug trays such as the 105-plug tray we use (some varieties are better suited for a 50 cell tray, i.e. Lobelia Winter Care – Tips For Overwintering Lobelia Plants, Potted Lobelia Care: Tips For Growing Lobelia In Containers, Annual Lobelia Plant: How To Grow Lobelia, Mulching With Oyster Shells: How Crushed Oyster Shells Help Plants, Unique Paving Ideas – Creative Ways To Use Pavers In The Garden, Sensory Walkway Ideas – Creating Sensory Garden Paths, Burning Bush Propagation: How To Propagate A Burning Bush, How To Ship Plants: Tips And Guidelines For Shipping Live Plants By Mail, Aloe Has Sticky Leaves – Reasons For A Sticky Aloe Plant, Cut Flower Gardening: Growing Flowers For Others, Pieces Of Garden Wisdom – Gardening Tips For Beginners, Garden Renovation: Giving Life To Neglected Garden Beds, Ordering Plants: Planning The Spring Garden Begins In Winter. How to grow: Perennial lobelia. Cutting back lobelia plants improves their appearance and health. Stunning Starship Deep Red blooms in the Summer and Fall. Discover (and save!) Starship Deep Red Lobelia speciosa has towering spikes of deep red blooms with bronze foliage. Lobelia flowers make a lovely addition to the garden but like many plants, pruning is an important part of keeping them looking their best. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Lobelias make great cutting flowers as well. Give the plant a light trim with a pair of scissors when it needs a bit of tidying. Cut when flowers are 1/3 open. Lobelia ×speciosa are popular garden hybrids (usually of L. cardinalis and L. siphilitica ) with flowers in shades of blue, … For cardinal flowers, you want to take stem cuttings. Cut a 6-inch section of lobelia stem that includes two leaves. Attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds. 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