Full Answer
What are the different types of Lobelia annuals?
Sometimes called dwarf lobelia to distinguish from tall perennial types, many lobelia annual varieties occur in hues of sky or true blue, a hard-to-find flower color that is coveted by gardeners. Lobelia flowers can also be white, pink or purple. The small two-lipped tubular flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, bees and other insect pollinators.
What is the scientific name of Lobelia?
lobelia, (genus Lobelia ), genus of more than 400 species of flowering plants in the bellflower family ( Campanulaceae) native to nearly all the temperate and warmer regions of the world, except central and eastern Europe and western Asia. A number are cultivated as garden ornamentals for their attractive flowers.
What does Lobelia look like?
This lobelia species is clump-forming, upright, and quite popular. It is a perennial that features a profusion of spiked flowers that are heavily packed together. These flowers possess a gorgeous fiery scarlet color and they are two-lipped blossoms.
Is Lobelia erinus an annual or perennial?
Lobelia erinus is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11, usually grown as an annual in cooler zones. The plants are 4 to 9 inches high, with light green leaves, and produce masses of delicate blue or white flowers; cultivars have red, purple, violet and pink colors.
What family is Lobelia in?
What is the most common lobelia in South Africa?
How tall does Lobelia Erinus grow?
Why is my Lobelia not producing flowers?
What color are lobelia flowers?
When do lobelia bloom?
Can lobelia be planted in full sun?
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Plant Identification:SOLVED: LOOKS LIKE LOBELIA - Dave's Garden
my daughter and I were out back in the creek fishing when under a bush we spotted a bright red flower, I got brave and waded across to get it. it looks identcal to the lobelia that has now stopped flowering, ( I payed dearly for this perenial) the only difference is the leaves on the wild flower are green and on my lobelia they are a maroon, any idea what I've found ?
Types of Lobelia | Home Guides | SF Gate
Lobelia erinus is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11, usually grown as an annual in cooler zones. The plants are 4 to 9 inches high, with light green leaves, and produce masses of ...
Lobelia Plants – Ultimate Care & Growing Guide | Proven Winners
Buy lobelia plants – Order annuals online and have them shipped right to your door . Sometimes called dwarf lobelia to distinguish from tall perennial types, many lobelia annual varieties occur in hues of sky or true blue, a hard-to-find flower color that is coveted by gardeners.
What is lobelia in gardening?
Garden. |. Beginner Gardening. By Christina Piper. Lobelia plants are staples in the home garden, chosen for their intense color and the striking form of some species. The genus Lobelia includes several hundred species that are part of the campanula (Campanulaceae) family. Most types of lobelia have the bell-shaped blossoms characteristic ...
What is the color of Lobelia x speciosa?
cardinalis, and L. siphilitica are designated as Lobelia x speciosa. Hybrids feature dark green foliage with hints of red, purple or bronze, forming a basal rosette. Tubular flowers grow on spikes in lavender, pink and red colors, with long blooming periods from July to September. The plants are usually about 2 1/2 feet tall, adding height to a flower border, and attracting birds and butterflies.
Where do Mexican lobelia grow?
Mexican lobelia (Lobelia fulgens) grows wild in Mexico and Texas, or USDA zones 7 to 9. It's similar in appearance to L. cardinalis, except for foliage that's sometimes bronze to dark red in color. Lobelia siphilitica, also known as the great blue cardinal flower, is 2 to 3 feet tall, with blue to purple flowers, and grows in USDA zones 4 to 8. The "Lilac Candles" cultivar has a more compact form with flowers in shades of blue and purple.
How tall is Lobelia siphilitica?
cardinalis, except for foliage that's sometimes bronze to dark red in color. Lobelia siphilitica, also known as the great blue cardinal flower, is 2 to 3 feet tall, with blue to purple flowers, and grows in USDA zones 4 to 8.
What is a lobelia?
Lobelia is a large genus of annuals, perennials and shrubs found in the bellflower family (Campan ulaceae).
What is the color of lobelia?
Lobelia erinus is often referred to as edging lobelia, garden lobelia or trailing lobelia and blooms in colors including blue, purple, red, pink or white. Edging lobelias grow from 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 18 inches, and are hardy in zones 7 through 11.
How big does Lobelia siphilitica get?
Lobelia siphilitica is also known as great blue lobelia, and grows 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 inches wide. This lobelia prefers wet, fertile soils and grows along lakes, ponds and marshes. Great blue lobelia grows in zones 5 through 10.
How many species of lobelia are there?
Lobelia ( / loʊˈbiːliə, lə -/) is a genus of flowering plants comprising 415 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias. Lobelia boninensis.
What is a Lobelia?
Lobelia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Setaceous Hebrew Character .
What are the extracts of Lobelia inflata?
Extracts of Lobelia inflata contain lobeline and those from Lobelia chinensis contain apigenin, lobeline, lobelanine, isolobelanine, lobelanidine, quercetin, coumarins, glucosides and other flavonoids.
Where do spurred lobelias come from?
About eleven species native to Mexico and Central America have spurs on the flowers. These spurred lobelias appear to form a monophyletic group. Most have been classified in the genera Heterotoma (or sometimes Calcaratolobelia ). However, since their closest relatives such as Lobelia anatina are in Lobelia, Koopman and Ayers classify them in Lobelia.
Is lobelia poisonous?
Many members of the genus are considered poisonous, with some containing the toxic principle lobeline. Because of lobeline's similarity to nicotine, the internal use of lobelia may be dangerous to susceptible populations, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with cardiac disease. Excessive use will cause nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women and is best administered by a practitioner qualified in its use. It also has a chemical known as lobellicyonycin, which may cause dizziness.
Who was Lobelia named after?
The genus Lobelia was first formally described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in Species plantarum and was named after the Flemish botanist Matthias de Lobel (1538–1616).
Is Lobelia a fan hybrid?
Numerous hybrids have been produced, notably Lobelia × speci osa, a hybrid derived from L. fulgens, L. cardinalis & L. siphilitica. The term "fan hybrids" is also used. This plant is borderline hardy and requires fertile, moist soil. It is suitable for summer bedding schemes or growing in containers. The cultivars 'Kompliment Scharlach' and 'Pink Elephant' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society 's Award of Garden Merit.
How many species are there in Lobelia?
The largest genus is Lobelia(more than 400 species), although molecular data suggests that this is not a single lineage and will likely be split up with further study. It includes many attractive and cultivated species, such as L. cardinalis(cardinal flower) and L. siphilitica(blue cardinal flower), as….
What is the color of Lobelia?
Familiar Lobelia species include L. cardinalis (cardinal flower), which displays a brilliant red corolla, in contrast to the blue or white colours of the majority of related species. L. inflata (Indian tobacco) is native to eastern and central North America and has a tobacco taste; it…
Where are Lobelias found?
Lobelia species are annual or perennial herbs or undershrubs, rarely shrubby, although the “tree” lobelias found at high elevations on the mountains of tropical Africa are remarkable arborescent forms. The genus has a great diversity of forms, and species frequently appear dissimilar from each other. However, most members have simple leaves borne alternately along the stems and two-lipped tubular flowers. The flowers generally have five lobes, often with two erect upper lobes and a lower fan formed of the remaining three lobes.
What is a dwarf blue trailing lobelia?
Notable among this group is the dwarf blue trailing lobelia (L. erinus) from South Africa, which, with its numerous varieties, forms a familiar bedding plant, much used for edging. The unusual L. tupa, a Chilean perennial1.8 to 2.4 metres (6 to 8 feet) high, has reddish or scarlet flowers.
What are the alkaloids in Lobelia?
Lobelias contain several different alkaloids, or compounds that provide therapeutic or medicinal effects. Well-known alkaloids include caffeine, nicotine, and morphine ( 1 ).
Where is Lobelia native to?
Lobelia is a group of flowering plants native to North America.
Why is lobelia used for asthma?
This is because lobeline may relax your airways, stimulate breathing, and clear mucus from your lungs ( 1, 5 ).
What is lobelia used for?
The flowers, leaves, and seeds are used in various preparations. Lobelia inflata is a species of lobelia long utilized for medicinal purposes.
What is Lobelia inflata?
What it is. Benefits. Dosage & side effects. Bottom line. Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants, some of which have been harvested for herbal remedies for centuries . The most commonly used is Lobelia inflata, though several species may be beneficial for health. Studies suggest that compounds in Lobelia inflata may aid asthma, depression, ...
Is Lobelia inflata toxic?
However, high doses can be toxic and may cause serious side effects.
Does Lobelia help with asthma?
Even though lobelia is often recommended by both herbalists and physicians to treat asthma and related issues , no human studies have examined its effects on respiratory ailments.
PLANTING & LOBELIA CARE
How to plant: Lobelia plant performs best with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. Choose a site that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sun. Follow these steps and space garden lobelia plants 6-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
HOW TO USE LOBELIA IN YOUR LANDSCAPE
The nonstop bloom, beautiful flower colors and ability to thrive in full sun or partial shade makes lobelia a versatile addition to any landscape. Here are just a few ideas on how to use lobelia in your yard:
COMPANION PLANTS
Plant lobelia alongside other plants with similar cultural needs of full sun to partial shade, rich soil and good drainage.
What family is Lobelia in?
Lobelia belongs to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) and it consists of shrubs, annuals, and perennials. It is a low growing, widely popular, trailing or bushy flower.
What is the most common lobelia in South Africa?
It is safe to say that Lobelia erinus (native to South Africa) is one of the most popular and compact lobelia species. Also known as the trailing lobelia, this tender perennial grows as an annual species and features masses of vibrantly striking colored flowers that are yellow or white in the center. These flowers blossom from the early springtime all the way to the early frost period. The flowers of this lobelia species range from the traditional violet and blue and more unusually colored like reddish-purple, white, and pink. Each flower is a two-lipped tubular flower that is 0.5 inches long. The lower lip of the flower is larger compared to the top one. The flowers are produced in loose clusters and survive the best during the cooler summer weather. However, if the summer months are really hot, it is possible for the color of the flower to fade. The branching stems are quite leafy, but they have linear, narrow green leaves. Sometimes, the green foliage is more on the bronze foliage size.
How tall does Lobelia Erinus grow?
This species is easy to grow and quite colorful. The Lobelia erinus plant has the ability to grow 6 to 9 inches in height and 6 to 12 inches in width. It does really well in evenly moist, organically rich and well-drained soils.
Why is my Lobelia not producing flowers?
Issues: If the soil of the lobelia plants becomes too dry , the plant will not be able to produce any flowers during the summer months. When a situation like this arises, it is important to perform thorough pruning followed by deeply watering so the issues can be resolved.
What color are lobelia flowers?
Although the typical and traditional shades of lobelia flowers would range from electric blue to violet, there are newer varieties that are available in red and pink as well. The stems of the lobelia flowers bear spikes of vibrant, tubular flowers. The flowers and foliage of this plant are quite delicate.
When do lobelia bloom?
The lobelia flowers grow abundantly during the summer and frost time. During the spring and fall time, the flowers thrive under the full sun. However, during the summertime, the sun can be too strong for these delicate beauties, which is why putting them in shade is important.
Can lobelia be planted in full sun?
Light: Either under the full sun or in partial shade. The older types of lobelia cannot tolerate the heat at all, which is why it should be planted in partial shade.
Overview
A
• Lobelia aberdarica R.E.Fr. & T.C.E.Fr.
• Lobelia acrochila (E.Wimm.) E.B.Knox
• Lobelia acuminata Sw.
• Lobelia acutidens Hook.f.
B
• Lobelia bambuseti R.E.Fr. & T.C.E.Fr.
• Lobelia barkerae E.Wimm.
• Lobelia barnsii Exell
• Lobelia baumannii Engl.
C
• Lobelia cacuminis Britton & P.Wilson
• Lobelia caeciliae E.Wimm.
• Lobelia caerulea Sims
• Lobelia caledoniana C.D.Adams
D
• Lobelia darlingensis (E.Wimm.) Albr.
• Lobelia dasyphylla E.Wimm.
• Lobelia davidii Franch.
• Lobelia deckenii (Asch.) Hemsl.
E
• Lobelia ehrenbergii Vatke
• Lobelia ekmanii Urb.
• Lobelia elongata Small
• Lobelia endlichii (E.Wimm.) T.J.Ayers
F
• Lobelia fangiana (E.Wimm.) S.Y.Hu
• Lobelia fastigiata Kunth
• Lobelia fatiscens Heenan
• Lobelia fawcettii Urb.
G
• Lobelia galpinii Schltr.
• Lobelia gaoligongshanica D.Y.Hong
• Lobelia gattingeri A.Gray
• Lobelia gaudichaudii A.DC.
Overview
Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants comprising 415 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.
Description
The genus Lobelia comprises a substantial number of large and small annual, perennial and shrubby species, hardy and tender, from a variety of habitats, in a range of colours. Many species appear totally dissimilar from each other. However, all have simple, alternate leaves and two-lipped tubular flowers, each with five lobes. The upper two lobes may be erect while the lower three lobes may be fanned out. Flowering is often abundant and the flower colour intense, henc…
Taxonomy
The genus Lobelia was first formally described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in Species plantarum and was named after the Flemish botanist Matthias de Lobel (1538–1616).
Lobelia is probably the base form from which many other lobelioid genera are derived; it is therefore highly paraphyletic and not a good genus in a cladistic sense. For example, the Hawaiian species (see Hawaiian lobelioids), currently classified in several genera, originated from a single …
Ecology
Lobelia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Setaceous Hebrew Character.
Cultivation and uses
Several species are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens. These include Lobelia cardinalis syn. Lobelia fulgens (cardinal flower or Indian pink), Lobelia siphilitica (blue lobelia), and Lobelia erinus, which is used for edging and window boxes.
Numerous hybrids have been produced, notably Lobelia × speciosa, a hybrid derived from L. fulgens, L. cardinalis & L. siphilitica. The term "fan hybrids" is also used. This plant is borderline h…
Adverse effects
Many members of the genus are considered poisonous, with some containing the toxic principle lobeline. Because of lobeline's similarity to nicotine, the internal use of lobelia may be dangerous to susceptible populations, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with cardiac disease. Excessive use will cause nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women and is best administered by a practitioner qualified in its use. It also has a che…
Chemical constituents
Extracts of Lobelia inflata contain lobeline and those from Lobelia chinensis contain apigenin, lobeline, lobelanine, isolobelanine, lobelanidine, quercetin, coumarins, glucosides and other flavonoids.
About eleven species native to Mexico and Central America have spurs on the flowers. These spurred lobelias appear to form a monophyletic group. Most ha…
Bibliography
• Everitt, J.H.; Lonard, R.L.; Little, C.R. (2007). Weeds in South Texas and Northern Mexico. Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press. ISBN 978-0-89672-614-7.
• Thomson, Samuel (1884) [1822]. "Life and Medical Discoveries of Samuel Thomson". Bulletin of the Lloyd Library of Botany, Pharmacy and Materia Medica. III (11).