Lobelia (Light Blue)
Lobelia 'Cambridge Blue' is a charming, compact annual featuring masses of soft light blue flowers that bloom profusely from late spring through summer. These 3" potted starters are perfect for adding a pop of cool color to garden beds, borders, window boxes, or as trailing accents in containers. Easy to grow, heat-tolerant in cooler climates, and attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. Minimal care required once established.
Plant Specifications and Attributes
- Plant Size: 4-6 inches tall, with a spread of 6-8 inches.
- Spacing: Plant 6-8 inches apart for dense coverage.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates).
- Hardiness Zone: Annual; suitable for USDA zones 2-11 (tender perennial in zones 9-11).
- Bloom Period: Spring to first frost, typically continuous blooming with deadheading.
- Attributes: Low maintenance, attracts pollinators, drought-tolerant once established, excellent for containers and edging, compact growth habit, non-invasive.
Description
Lobelia erinus 'Cambridge Blue' is a beloved annual known for its vibrant yet soft light blue blooms that resemble tiny trumpets. Native to southern Africa, this variety has been cultivated for its versatility in gardens worldwide. The plants form neat mounds or trailing stems covered in narrow green leaves, with flowers appearing in clusters that create a sea of blue. It's particularly effective in mixed planters with contrasting colors like white petunias or pink impatiens. While it thrives in moist, well-drained soil, it's adaptable to various conditions and rebounds quickly from light pruning to encourage fuller growth.
Transplanting Instructions
- Choose a location with well-draining soil enriched with compost. Loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of 6-8 inches.
- Dig a hole slightly wider and the same depth as the 3" pot's root ball.
- Gently remove the plant from the pot by squeezing the sides and tipping it out, taking care not to damage the roots.
- Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with soil, firming gently around the base to eliminate air pockets.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil, and keep moist for the first few weeks until established. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Transplant after the last frost in spring for best results.