Edging Lobelia Lobelia erinus Cascade Series
ABOUT
The Lobelia erinus Cascade Series, commonly known as the trailing lobelia, is a notably attractive plant renowned for its lush and vibrant blooms. It features delicate, small, and profuse flowers that come in a palette of striking colors, including shades of blue, violet, pink, and white. Each flower has a tubular structure with an open lip at the front, which together gives the trailing lobelia an almost fairy-like appearance that is frequently used to add a burst of color in gardens. The foliage of the trailing lobelia is equally eye-catching, with its masses of small, green leaves that create a dense and verdant background for the vivid flowers. The leaves are typically narrow and pointed, forming a fine texture that complements the softness of the flowers. This dense foliage often appears to cascade or spill over the edge of containers or hanging baskets, making the trailing lobelia an ideal choice for elevated garden displays. The cascading aspect of the trailing lobelia refers to its growth habit, as it tends to spread outwards and downwards, creating a flowing and graceful shape. Its overall form is such that it adds an element of movement to the garden, with the appearance of the foliage and flowers spilling over like a waterfall of color. This series of lobelia is particularly appreciated by gardeners and landscapers for its ornamental value and its ability to provide long-lasting, season-long visual interest. The trailing lobelia has a bushy constitution, with multiple stems emerging from the base and contributing to its rich, full appearance. This density of growth allows it to fill in spaces effectively and provide a lush underpinning to taller plants in a mixed planting scheme. Even without exact dimensions, the impression given by the trailing lobelia Cascade Series is one of abundant growth and exuberant flowering that can add charm and liveliness to a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Edging Lobelia, Trailing Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Cascade Lobelia
Common names
Lobelia erinus Cascade Series.
ToxicityTo humans
Lobelia, which refers to various species including Lobelia erinus, can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. It contains several alkaloids such as lobeline that can cause adverse symptoms. In humans, ingestion of lobelia can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, dizziness, tremors, and an increase in saliva. Severe poisoning could potentially lead to more serious effects such as convulsions, coma, and in extreme cases, it could be fatal. It is advised to handle lobelia with care and avoid ingesting any part of the plant.
To pets
Lobelia is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, the ingestion of lobelia can cause symptoms in pets that may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, and abnormal heart rate. In severe cases, it could lead to more extreme symptoms like convulsions or coma. If you suspect your pet has ingested lobelia, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately. Avoid allowing pets to chew on or ingest any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Lobelia erinus Cascade Series is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Easy to grow: This plant is considered easy to care for, making it suitable for beginners and those who prefer low-maintenance gardening.
- Long blooming period: The Cascade Series of Lobelia often enjoys a prolonged flowering season, providing color in the garden for an extended time.
- Versatile use: It can be used in various garden designs, including borders, containers, hanging baskets, and as ground cover, due to its trailing habit.
- Color variety: The Cascade Series offers a range of colors, adding vibrancy and diversity to garden spaces.
- Compact size: Its small size makes it perfect for gardens with limited space or for creating intricate designs without overcrowding.
- Companion planting: Lobelia pairs well with other plants, making it a good choice for creating aesthetically pleasing combinations in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lobelia erinus is often used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach about plant growth, life cycles, and flower anatomy.
- Because of its cascading growth habit, the trailing lobelia can be utilized in art installations or as living curtains for outdoor events and gatherings.
- The vibrant colors of trailing lobelia can be harvested and used as a natural dye for fabrics, though this is not a common practice.
- Garden photographers and flower aficionados use trailing lobelia as a subject for practicing macro photography and studying the nuances of light on petals.
- Trailing lobelia can serve as a temporary ground cover for event spaces, adding a pop of color to the greenery during special occasions.
- In small-scale model landscapes, such as for train sets or dioramas, trailing lobelia can represent larger flowering plants due to its fine texture and density.
- Hobbyists may use the dried flowers of trailing lobelia in scrapbooking and paper crafts for their delicate aesthetic touch.
- Trailing lobelia flowers are sometimes used in crafting homemade potpourri mixtures due to their shape and color retention after drying.
- For a calming hobby, caring for trailing lobelia in a home garden can serve as a form of horticultural therapy, promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
- During festivities, trailing lobelia can be strung up and used as a natural and biodegradable alternative to traditional streamers in eco-friendly celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lobelia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lobelia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion: Lobelia has often been associated with devotion due to its persistent flowering and long-lasting blooms that consistently add color to gardens.
- Good Vibrations: The bright and cheerful flowers of lobelia are thought to radiate positive energy, symbolizing good vibrations and uplifting feelings.
- Attraction: With its cascade of flowers, lobelia symbolizes an attractive quality, pulling in both people and beneficial pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
WaterFor the trailing lobelia, or edging lobelia, water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering approximately once every week, but frequency should be adjusted according to weather conditions and the plant's environment, aiming for about 1 gallon per plant each time. During hot spells, watering may be needed more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to ensure good drainage.
LightTrailing lobelia thrives best in full sun to part shade conditions, meaning that it should receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. The plant will bloom more profusely with more light. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureEdging lobelia prefers moderate temperatures, flourishing between 60°F and 70°F. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F or above 80°F as extreme temperatures can cause the plant to stop flowering or even die. Provide a location where the temperature stays within this ideal range for best growth.
PruningEdging lobelia may require occasional pruning to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tips of the stems, especially after the first flowering peak, to encourage a second bloom. Pruning is usually done midseason or after a flush of blooms has faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cascading Lobelia is a well-draining potting mix with peat moss or a mixture containing compost and perlite to retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCascading Lobelia typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. It is often treated as an annual, so repotting may not always be necessary.
Humidity & MistingCascading Lobelia prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions found in typical home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, and protect from extreme heat.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus Cascade Series) begins with seed germination, usually in the warmth of spring, where seeds require light to germinate so they must not be covered by soil. Following germination, seedlings emerge, developing into juvenile plants with characteristic foliage but no flowers yet. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, producing lush greenery and preparing for flowering. The next stage is the flowering phase, which typically occurs in summer, where the plant showcases a cascade of vibrant blue, violet, white, or pink flowers. After pollination, the plant sets seed, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as the trailing lobelia is a tender annual, it concludes its life cycle with the onset of the first frost, where the plant dies, but the seeds may overwinter to begin the cycle anew the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Lobelia, particularly the Lobelia erinus Cascade Series, is most commonly propagated through seed. The ideal time for sowing Lobelia seeds is during late winter to early spring, aiming for a period when the threat of frost has passed for transplanting outdoors. Seed propagation involves scattering the tiny seeds on the surface of a moist, well-drained seed starting mix, as they require light for germination. Care should be taken not to cover the seeds with soil but to press them gently into the medium. Lobelia seeds typically germinate within two to three weeks at a temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they are large enough to handle and later moved outdoors once they have developed strong root systems and the outside weather conditions are favorable.
