Why Do My Lobelia Keep Dying?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

How do you revive lobelia?

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 need a lot of water?

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.

How often do you water lobelia?

Water thoroughly

at least once a week

to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry.

Does lobelia come back?

Lobelia in winter will die back no matter which variety you have. However,

the annual Lobelia may not come back at all even if it formed seed

. … The annual forms tend to get weedy when temperatures get hot in summer but can be rejuvenated by cutting the plants back by half.

Does lobelia like full sun?

Growing Lobelia Plant

Lobelia seeds can be sown directly in the garden or indoors for later transplanting. These plants

typically require an area with full sun but will tolerate partial shade

. They also prefer moist, rich soil.

How do you keep lobelia blooming all summer?

To extend the blooming period of lobelia in summer or encourage a second bloom,

you can trim your plants at any time of the year

. This encourages another flush of blooms, maintains their overall look, and some gardeners even prune the plant at half an inch when the blooming period ends.

Can lobelia grow in pots?

Growing Lobelia in Containers

These petite pink, white, or blue flowers create a dramatic impact in planters. The profusion of blooms makes growing lobelia in a pot an excellent choice. … These plants require consistent moisture, but they do not grow well when overwatered or when containers have become waterlogged.

Do lobelia plants spread?

Lobelia is a small plant that generally grows to heights no taller than 10 inches.

Bush types spread only five to nine inches

, but trailing varieties expand as much as 1 1/2 feet.

How quickly does lobelia grow?

Lobelia seeds should

germinate within 10 and 21 days

. When the seedlings are large enough to handle transplant them into trays 5cm apart. Lobelia plants need to be acclimatised to outside condition before planting out (when all danger of frost has passed) at 15cm apart, in an open sunny position.

Does lobelia attract bees?


Highly attractive

: bees including yellow-faced bees, sweat bees, small carpenter bees, and bumble bees.

How do you divide lobelia?

If you water the pot thoroughly and then tip the plant out you can grasp it in two hands. One bunch of foliage in each hand. Hold it right down at the base of the stems and then pull the clump apart very gently. Do not worry if you feel some roots tearing.

Can lobelia grow in shade?

Lobelia. Add lobelias to shade gardens for rich, true blues. … Annual lobelia is a cool-season plant that can tolerate

most light conditions

, including shade.

When can lobelia be planted outside?

Sow seed in late winter or early spring, under glass, at 16-18°C. Prick out into pots and plant out in

late May

, once all danger of frosts has passed.

What are the benefits of lobelia?

Lobelia is often touted for its use in such respiratory conditions as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. This is because the herb is said to act as

an expectorant

, helping to thin mucus (phlegm), cause a more productive cough, and help you to breathe better.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.