Edging Lobelia
lobelia erinus
Also known as: ["Edging Lobelia","Trailing Lobelia"]
Overview
A trailing or cascading annual plant with delicate, bright blue, white, or purple flowers, often used in hanging baskets and window boxes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Genus: | Lobelia |
| Botanical Name: | Lobelia erinus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: hanging baskets, window boxes, or containers in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loose soil with added organic matter; a mix of peat, perlite, and loam works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; deadhead spent flowers regularly.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning in winter.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 6–8 hours of light per day; adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak afternoon hours; move indoor plants to a brighter location in winter.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid full sun in summer; provide dappled light; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 3–5 days, more frequently in hot weather
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; use a mix with good aeration.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 60–70°F (15–21°C); prefers cooler nights; sensitive to extreme heat.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid sudden temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth, monthly otherwise
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; fertilize after watering to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; leaf cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting below a leaf node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or a commercial seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools; prune dead or yellowing leaves; remove spent flowers; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up; increase pot diameter by 1–2 inches, not the depth.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out crowded roots; place in a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water at base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base until it drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency in hot, dry conditions; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, bud drop, or leaf burn.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to frost damage in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Protect from frost with a cover; move potted plants indoors; avoid placing near cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may slow.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 2–4 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are also susceptible to the toxic effects of Lobelia erinus, with similar mechanisms of action involving lobeline and other alkaloids. The plant can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lobelia erinus can lead to gastrointestinal upset and neurological effects due to the presence of lobeline and related alkaloids. These compounds can cause both stimulatory and depressant effects on the nervous system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLobelia erinus contains lobeline and other alkaloids that can cause significant physiological effects, including stimulation of the nervous system, followed by depression. These compounds can lead to respiratory distress and cardiovascular issues in severe cases.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lobelia erinus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Lobelia erinus?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Lobelia erinus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, more frequen |
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