Lobelia

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Lobelia
Scientific name	Lobelia
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Campanulaceae
Type	Garden flowering plants
Habitat	Sunny, well-drained soil
Native range	Tropical to warm temperate regions worldwide
Colours	Pink, white, red or blue; often violet-blue
Flowering season	Midsummer until first frost
Height	3–5 inches; some up to 3 ft

There are around 415 varieties of flowering plants under the genus Lobelia. Initially, they are dispersed in the subordinate cosmopolitan tropical regions to the warm temperate zones the world over. Some of these varieties are distributed in the cooler temperate zones. Normally they are called Lobelias.

History

Lobelia obtained its name from the French Botanist Matthias de L’Obel (1538 to 1616). This plant Lobelia comes from the group of Lobeliaceae, it is indigenous to the northeast regions of Canada and the US. Lobelia exists in about 415 varieties distributed all over the universe. This herb, indigenous to the Northeast of the United States (Lobelia Inflata) was in general considered as Indian tobacco, Vomitwort and Asthma Weed. Since ages Lobelia was used in the medical field and frequently imported from the US to England in the form of medicinal plants and a type of nursery plant. Samuel Thomson (9th February 1769 to 5th October 1843) was an American who became an herbalist on his own, he found a different method of treatment known as “Thomsonian Medicine” which earned fame all over the US in the 19th Century.

Anatomy

Even though the majority of them grow densely, they grow only to heights of 3 to 5 inches; some grow as tall as 3 feet. Their colors vary from pink, white, red and blue. Even though, the usually found ones are violet-blue.

Habitat

Lobelia inhabits the dry regions of Kamchatka, Northern regions of the US and Canada. They are also grown in the gardens of England.

Soil

Lobelia is grown in the garden as well as in containers, where the soil used is either of very good quality of potting soil or good variety of soils blended with compost. They need properly drained soil.

Planting

Seedlings are planted either in properly drained sunny locations following frost or in an environment free of frost. Plant the Lobelia at a distance of 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in.) apart. In a container, it is possible to grow your Lobelia closer to each other.

Water

Moist soil is ideal for the growth of blue Lobelia; therefore you obtain healthier and more beautiful flowers with frequent watering. The plant requires watering almost weekly, twice particularly when the weather is dry.

Temperature and Humidity

Establishing temperature: 68°F/20°C mean temperature of the day
Temperatures for growing -: 55 to 65°F/12 to 18°C
When the temperature is cool you get a compact growth with more prolific flowers.
When the temperature is warm, the problem is too much of leaf growth and scanty flowering takes place.
Retain the RH less than 70%, and at the same time, supply proper circulation of pure air to get rid of Botrytis problems.

Care

Once the Lobelia plant is well set, then, less care is required. When the weather is dry and hot your Lobelia needs regular watering, particularly the ones planted in containers. In case of necessity, supply your Lobelia plant with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer monthly once or after every four or six weeks. Around the middle of summer to the beginning of frost your garden becomes decorated with the pretty flowers of Lobelia. Even though it is not compulsory, it is possible for you to deadhead your Lobelia plant for good looks.

Pests and Disease

Lobelia turns brown because of the pests and fungus, particularly, when they enter the plant or its cells. It is easy to locate the parasitic fungi and the external pests, however, it is difficult to locate and get rid of those residing within the previously healthy tissues. Problems related to disease and insects do not occur frequently. Only in case of necessity apply fungicides and insecticides.

Uses

Lobelia Inflata is a type of herb that has traditionally been used for allergies, asthma, congestion, whooping cough and bronchitis. Earlier, this was used as a remedial measure for refraining from tobacco to stop smoking. In the south east regions of Canada it is found from Nova Scotia and as far as British Columbia and Southeastern regions of Ontario. Except the State of Florida, we find them in half of the eastern regions of the US.

Related: Oregano

Lobelia FAQs