This guide explains how to plant the flowering lobelia, popularly known as men's loy alty, and what needs to be considered when caring for them.
Lobelia (Lobelia) transform beds and planters into a sea of flowers all summer long. The busily blooming bluebell plant is better known under the name of men's faithful. The annual plants come in more than 400 species. Caring for lobelia is manageable. However, mistakes in care are acknowledged with less bloom and the lobelia becomes more susceptible to diseases. The following article introduces the plants in more detail and gives tips for species-appropriate planting and care.Speci alties of Lobelia
Some people may be surprised at the term "loyal to men". The trivial name was created based on the flowering period, which falls on the months of June, July and August. This was associated with an intense but ephemeral summer love and the men's unfaithfulness associated with it. The botanical name "Lobelia" is reminiscent of the botanist Matthias de L`Obel.
Lobelias are widespread in southern South Africa. Natural occurrences can be found in Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho or Swaziland. As an ornamental plant, the lobelia is found worldwide in all temperate climate zones.
| Lobelias (Lobelia) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | upright stems, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 20 - 90 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Usage: | Perennial bed, water edge, open space |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | fresh to moist, well-drained, high humus and nutrient requirement |
Plant lobelia
➔ Find the right location
Lobelias need a warm and sunny spot. A lot of light is needed so that the numerous small bell-shaped flowers can be seen in abundance. The blazing midday sun should be avoided. Cultivation is also possible in partial shade. In any case, the hobby gardener should provide the warmth-loving plants with around three to five hours of sunshine a day.
» Tip: Higher-growing lobelia do better in a sheltered spot.
Lobelias can be combined with the following summer flowers in beds and containers:
- Bellflower
- Marigold
- Geranium
- Sunrose
- Petunia
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
Lobelias thrive in regular garden soil. However, the soil should be rich in nutrients and not too dry. Since lobelia are sensitive to waterlogging, the permeability of the substrate must be taken into account. If lobelia are planted in tubs, add lava granules or sand to the substrate to improve permeability.
➔ Planting lobelia - step by step
- Select Location
- Prepare the ground
- Dig planting holes
- Note the planting distance
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Press the base lightly
- Water the plant
| Growth | Planting distance |
|---|---|
| up to 20 cm | 12 cm |
| up to 60 cm | 30 cm |
| up to 90 cm | 45 cm |
➔ Planting lobelia in the tub
If you want lobelia to attract admiration on the balcony and terrace, you can plant them in tubs, balcony boxes, pots or hanging baskets. When planting, it is important to ensure drainage in the bottom of the container. Shards of pottery or pebbles are suitable for preventing waterlogging. Conventional potting soil is suitable for lobelia and contains all the necessary nutrients. To encourage flowering, give liquid fertilizer to potted plants at 14-day intervals throughout the summer.
An overview of the most important planting tips
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Select Location | • bright • warm • sunny |
| Prepare the ground | • fresh • well drained • nutritious |
| planting | • Observe planting distance • create drainage for potted plants |
Caring for Lobelias
➔ Water lobelia correctly
The water requirement of the flowering plant is high. Without adequate watering, the buds will not show up as desired. The plant shows the lack of water by withered leaves. When the top layer of soil has dried slightly, it's time to water.
➔ Lobeliafertilize properly
Lobelias do not necessarily need to be fertilized outdoors, provided the soil is rich in nutrients. Adding compost to the substrate before planting provides an effective long-term fertiliser.
In the case of potted plants, fertilization begins in March. Liquid fertilizer can simply be added to the irrigation water. A fertilizer rich in phosphorus and nitrogen is used until August.
➔ Propagating Lobelia
The commercial goods are annual plants. The hybrids are not optimized for propagation and are usually disposed of in autumn. Experienced hobby gardeners can try their hand at pollination. However, buying young plants is far easier and less stressful.
➔ Cut Lobelia
Lobelias do not need to be pruned. In late summer, only the withered flowers are removed. As a result, new shoots will form again and the lobelia will bloom until autumn. If you want to extend the flowering period, you should enrich the soil in the root area with compost and horn shavings.
Annual varieties are dug up and discarded after flowering. Perennial perennial lobelia are cut back close to the ground in late winter.
➔ Recognizing diseases on the lobelia
Lobelias are among the most robust plants. This can be explained with the conditions in their original homeland Africa. Specific clinical pictures or pest infestations are not known.
However, Mannentreu reacts sensitively to wetness. Fungal infestation can occur. Remove affected plants.
➔ Hibernating Lobelia
Männertreu is unfortunately not hardy and is one of the annual plants. Before the frost, the plants are removed from the bed and tub and disposed of on the compost. New copies are purchased the following year.
Perennial species can be overwintered. You cut them back to the ground in autumn and bring the plants into the house. There they need a cool place with temperatures of no more than ten degrees.
» Tip: The lobelia must not dry out in winter and should be watered sporadically.
From mid-May, when no more frost is to be expected, the plants can go back outside.
Are lobelia poisonous?
Lobelias contain various toxins. Of importance is the high content of lobelin. This alkaloid is similar to nicotine. There is a he alth hazard for people and pets. Therefore, in the family garden, care must be taken to keep the lobelia out of the reach of children,dogs and cats.