Lobelia (Dark Blue) Plant
Lobelia Crystal Palace Dark Blue is a compact, low-growing annual with masses of vibrant dark blue flowers and bronze-tinted foliage. Ideal for edging, borders, containers, or hanging baskets, these 3" potted plants thrive in cool weather and provide continuous blooms from spring through fall. Easy to grow with minimal maintenance, they attract pollinators and add striking color to any garden.
Plant Specifications and Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant Size | 4-6 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide (mounded habit) |
| Spacing | 6-8 inches apart for dense plantings; up to 18 inches for garden spacing |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Hardiness Zone | USDA 10-11 (grown as annual in cooler zones) |
| Bloom Period | Early spring through fall, or until frost |
Description
Lobelia 'Crystal Palace' Dark Blue is a stunning compact variety of Lobelia erinus, prized for its abundant clusters of small, tubular dark blue flowers that create a sea of color in any planting. The plant's bronze-tinged leaves add an extra layer of visual interest, providing contrast to the vivid blooms. This low-growing annual is perfect for edging pathways, filling in gaps in flower beds, or spilling over the sides of containers and hanging baskets. It thrives in cool, moist conditions and is relatively low-maintenance, though it benefits from regular watering to prevent drying out. As a tender perennial often treated as an annual, it attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.
Transplanting Instructions
- Choose a planting site with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost. Lobelia prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
- Wait until after the last frost date in your area to transplant outdoors. In Utah (Zone 5-7 typically), this is usually mid-May.
- Dig holes spaced 6-8 inches apart for compact growth or 6-18 inches for spreading.
- Gently remove the plant from the 3" pot, loosening the roots if necessary.
- Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing in the pot, then backfill with soil and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
- Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep soil consistently moist, especially in hot weather, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- For containers, use a well-draining potting mix and ensure pots have drainage holes.