The article is dedicated to one of the popular plants that are often grown in gardens and on spacious balconies. Lobelia has a large assortment of varieties and a beautiful appearance. At the moment, about 300 different options are known. Among the residents of Russia, less than 20 of them can be called the most popular. But this turned out to be quite enough so that people could easily decorate their homes and get to know this species of plants better.
What type to prefer: first steps
Before recognizing the types of plant varieties, it is best to determine which lobelia is necessary: annual or perennial. The latter can easily survive even the most severe living conditions, it can withstand frost. Unfortunately, an annual plant is not able to "boast" of such abilities, but it is most widespread among the inhabitants of the planet. This is due to the fact that varieties with a minimum lifespan look interesting, they also bloom profusely. Long-term lobelia does not indulge in such delights.
Annual plant
Of all the annual lobelia, only one species is most common - erinus. It also has the name "black-headed". Also common under the name Lobelia longis. The plant received thin stems, the leaves have small teeth. Due to the huge number of shoots, an already adult lobelia is a ball of dense shape, consisting of flowers. The latter are small (2 cm), but there are many. On one bush there are about a hundred flowers. It is about her that will be discussed later in the article. Consider in detail the possible varieties and how to care for the plant.
The main forms of erinus
Five forms are known that have their own characteristics. The largest is considered ampel lobelia erinus. In adulthood, she is able to grow lashes up to 35 cm long. Due to the fact that they hang down towards the floor, a magnificent cascade is formed. A small species is called dwarf lobelia. The bushes of the plant are small and rarely exceed 12 cm.
Less popular plant forms
The following types are also known: compact, upright and spreading. The height of the first is 15 cm. Compact lobelia erinus is a dense bush. Its shoots are erect. A sprawling tree is a bush with stems up to 30 cm. Its height is not more than 15 cm. The stalks are spreading. Upright lobelia is a columnar bush, its height is 25 cm.
Bush varieties of lobelia erinus
There are a huge number of varieties of lobelia erinus, so we will consider only the most impressive and famous among the residents of the Russian Federation:
- "Miss Clibran." It is a bush of small dimensions, the dimensions of which rarely exceed 15 cm. In diameter, the representatives of the variety are able to reach 30 cm. Flowers that have a white eye are obvious differences from other types of lobelia. Petals are a blue-violet hue.
- "Emperor Willy." The bush, although small (10 cm), but lush. Flowers have a bright blue color. It grows well, especially if you use open ground.
- Lobelia Erinus "Crystal Palace". The bush is dense and rarely magnificent. Height - no more than 20 cm. The flowers are purple-blue, a huge number of them bloom.
- "The White Palace". Representatives of this variety also do not differ in splendor, their height is 12 cm. Flowers are white in color.
- "Cambridge Blue." The bush is compact in size, the stems are low (10 cm). Flowers bloom cold blue.
Ampel plant varieties
Many different species have lobelia erinus. Varieties are ampelous. There are many of them, so we will consider only the main and most common ones.
- The Red Cascade. The shoots of this flower are falling, the bush is lush. The length of the plant does not exceed 35 cm. According to the logic of things, the flowers of this lobelia should be red, although in reality this is not so. Hue closer to the purple tone.
- "Sapphire". The plant has drooping shoots. Their height is 35 cm. Flowers have spots on the petals located below everything. Their shade is bright blue.
- The Blue Fountain. Due to the large number of hanging shoots, the plant has a bulky and lush cascade. Flowers are a pale blue. There are white eyes. The lashes in length do not exceed the mark of 35 cm.
Features in the nature of the flower
In order to grow a flower in favorable conditions for him, you need to know about the features of his character. For example, lobelia erinus loves light and moisture, and is resistant to low temperatures.
Growing a plant, it is necessary to install it in the place where a sufficient amount of sunlight. It is also necessary to ensure regular and timely watering. It is the latter factor that is considered almost the most important nuance for healthy and successful plant growth. In the summer, when the air becomes dry and the temperature of the surrounding area is too high, with insufficient watering, lobelia erinus simply begins to grow weakly and stops giving flowers.
For optimal life, you need to choose the right soil. She should not have too much fertilizer. It is desirable that it be loose and nutritious. Fresh manure cannot be used, this top dressing will not bring the expected results. If there is a desire to apply it, then it is best to do this before planting the plant in the ground. The fact is that if you use fresh manure, lobelia will grow rapidly, but will stop giving flowers.
Flower propagation
Reproduction of lobelia is carried out using seeds. All the subtleties are precisely in their landing. Cultivation occurs in a standard seedling method. If lobelia went to grow, then it can already be transplanted.
Seeds must be sown at the end of February. Due to the fact that during this period of the year the daylight hours are still small, the sprouts will need to be specially highlighted with a special technique. The dishes where the seeds are placed in the future should be as wide and low as possible. There is no need to sprinkle with earth, it should be sown on the surface. If desired, you can mix the seeds with sand. Instead, peat is also allowed. In the event that there is snow on the street, you can sprinkle the earth with a thin layer of ice crystals. Top should be sown seeds. After this, you need to spray potassium permanganate with a spray gun. This is done so that the seedlings do not become infected with any disease. Watering is carried out either with a pot or by spraying. The method is selected by the owner.
It is necessary to create a greenhouse effect, it is loved by lobelia erinus. Growing then will occur as quickly as possible. To do this, you can use film or glass. They should be wiped and turned over every day. Seeds often germinate in the second week. It is worth noting that at first they grow slowly, so no need to worry.
After sprouts appeared, you need to remove the cover every day and leave the small plants to “breathe”. The time must be gradually increased from 30 minutes to 2 hours. After reaching the maximum interval, the glass or film must be removed completely. Due to this seedlings, lobelia will easily get used to the peculiarities of local air.
Transplantation into another container (dive) occurs after seedlings become visible. You need to use loose soil. Attention! Seedlings will be very weak, so picking is best done with tweezers made of plastic. Watering also needs to be done as carefully as possible, otherwise they may break. After transplanting, the lobelia (photo below) grows at a tremendous speed. It is necessary to land in soil as soon as length began to increase.
Care Features
It’s easy to take care of the plant, the main thing is to adhere to certain rules:
- Planting material must be carefully selected. Seeds should be collected only in the fall. It is necessary to ensure that the plant from which they are taken is not sick.
- It is necessary to plant in a place where the maximum amount of natural light. If this is not possible, then partial shade can be allowed. In the event that the water sometimes stagnates, a good solution would be to install a drainage system.
- Ideally, it is better to use cultivated soil. Organics in it should be the optimal amount, with mineral top dressing should also be careful. If there are too many such substances, then the plant will begin to grow actively, the appearance of flowers is excluded.
- Watering is necessary only when the soil has become dry. Especially on the "power" system should pay attention in the summer. Indeed, at this time of the year it is too hot. Top dressing should be carried out no more than 2 times a year (end of spring and summer). You need to use those substances that have impurities of nitrogen or ash. This will allow the plant to throw out shoots easier and faster for flowers to appear.
- If a person noticed that lobelia practically does not prosper, and there are no problems with leaving, then you need to carry out the haircut process. It is necessary to trim the ends of the stems. You don’t need to be afraid for your plant, as this will make the bushes more active and give flowers much longer.
As you know, lobelia (the photo is in the article) is unpretentious, it is easy and simple to take care of. Therefore, you can safely drop it off on your windowsill and balcony, enjoying the bright colors all summer.