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Lobelia erinus
Lobelia erinus
Lobelia erinus
Lobelia erinus

Lobelia erinus

TAXONOMY

FamilyCampanulaceae
GenusLobelia
Zone10

ABOUT

Lobelia erinus, commonly known as trailing lobelia, is a member of the Campanulaceae family. Native to southern Africa, this plant is often grown as an annual in subtropical climates. It is known for its vibrant blue, purple, or white flowers and is commonly used in hanging baskets, window boxes, and as ground cover.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Enchysia Erinoides
Grammatotheca Erinoides
Laurentia Erinoides
Rapuntium Acutangulum
Rapuntium Bellidifolium
Rapuntium Erinoides
Rapuntium Kohautianum
Rapuntium Krebsianum
Rapuntium Procumbens
Dortmanna debilis var. natalensis
Dortmanna erinodes
Dortmanna erinus
Dortmanna erinus var. bellidifolia
Dortmanna flexuosa
Dortmanna lavendulacea
Dortmanna senegalensis
Edging lobelia
Lobelia acutangula
Lobelia algoensis
Lobelia altimontis
Lobelia bellidifolia
Lobelia benguellensis
Lobelia bicolor
Lobelia bracteolata
Lobelia candida
Lobelia chilawana
Lobelia dortmanni
Lobelia erinifolia
Lobelia erinoides
Lobelia erinus f. bicolor
Lobelia erinus f. elata
Lobelia erinus var. bellidifolia
Lobelia erinus var. bracteolata
Lobelia erinus var. gracilis
Lobelia erinus var. grandiflora
Lobelia erinus var. schrankii
Lobelia erinus var. subvillosa
Lobelia filiformis f. albiflora
Lobelia filiformis f. multipilis
Lobelia filiformis f. muzandazora
Lobelia filiformis var. filiformis
Lobelia filiformis var. natalensis
Lobelia jugosa
Lobelia keilhackii
Lobelia kohautiana
Lobelia lavendulacea
Lobelia lydenburgensis
Lobelia melsetteria
Lobelia montaguensis
Lobelia natalensis
Lobelia natalensis var. subulifolia
Lobelia nuda
Lobelia nuda f. hirtella
Lobelia nuda var. rosulata
Lobelia nuzana
Lobelia oranjensis
Lobelia parvifolia
Lobelia polyodon
Lobelia procumbens
Lobelia pubescens var. simplex
Lobelia raridentata
Lobelia rosulata
Lobelia rosulata f. hirtella
Lobelia schrankii
Lobelia senegalensis
Lobelia senegalensis var. senegalensis
Lobelia senegalensis var. turgida
Lobelia transvaalensis
Lobelia trierarchi
Lobelia turgida
Lobelia turgida var. peteri
Lobelia wildii
Lobelia wildii var. arcana
Monopsis conspicua
Monopsis debilis var. conspicua
Monopsis simplex var. conspicua
Rapuntium bicolor
Rapuntium erinus

OVERVIEW

WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar

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DETAILS

Care Instructions
Lobelia erinus thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers bright, indirect light. It requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme heat and cold.
Soil
Lobelia erinus prefers well-draining loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A soil mix that includes organic matter will help maintain the necessary moisture levels and provide adequate drainage.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied every few weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Lobelia erinus, as it is often grown as an annual. However, if grown in containers, it can be repotted in fresh soil at the beginning of the growing season to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Propagation
Lobelia erinus can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, while cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Ensure the cuttings have a few sets of leaves and plant them in a moist, well-draining soil mix.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for Lobelia erinus to encourage bushier growth and more prolific flowering. Pinch back the tips of the stems regularly and remove any spent flowers to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Toxicity
Lobelia erinus is generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children.
Additional
Lobelia erinus is a versatile plant that can be used in various garden settings. It is particularly effective in hanging baskets and window boxes, where its trailing habit can be showcased. Regular deadheading will help maintain its appearance and prolong the flowering period.
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