Trailing Lobelia Lobelia erinus 'Colour Cascade'
ABOUT
The Lobelia erinus 'Colour Cascade' is a vibrant and decorative flowering plant with a lush appearance. It features an abundance of small, delicate flowers that come in a mix of colors including shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. These blossoms are typically two-lipped with the top lip having two lobes and the bottom lip having three, creating a striking symmetry. The plant has a cascading habit, which means that the stems tend to spill over, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets and containers where its tendrils can drape elegantly over the sides. The leaves of 'Colour Cascade' are small, oblong, and slightly serrated, presenting a green backdrop that contrasts nicely with the profuse flowering. The foliage tends to be dense, adding to the plant's full and lush appearance. The overall impression of this Lobelia is one of a colorful and soft-textured plant that can bring a waterfall of colors to any garden display or outdoor arrangement, with flowers blooming prolifically under the right conditions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Edging Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Trailing Lobelia, Cascade Lobelia
Common names
Lobelia erinus 'Colour Cascade'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lobelia is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, if ingested in significant quantities, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, dizziness, and weakness. The plant contains several alkaloids, including lobeline, which can be toxic. The severity of symptoms can vary based on the amount consumed. If you suspect poisoning from Lobelia, it is important to seek medical attention.
To pets
Lobelia is also considered to have a low level of toxicity to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested, Lobelia can produce symptoms similar to those in humans, like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Pets might also experience signs of depression or difficulty breathing if they consume Lobelia in significant amounts. If you notice these symptoms in your pet after ingestion of the plant, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.75 feet (23 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Its vibrant flowers and cascading growth habit make Lobelia erinus 'Colour Cascade' an attractive addition to hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden borders.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it an excellent plant for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Long Blooming Season: It blooms profusely from spring to early fall, providing a long season of visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy and biodiverse garden ecosystem.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, from rock gardens to formal bedding arrangements.
- Color Variety: Comes in a range of colors which allows for creative color schemes in garden design.
- Drought Tolerance: Once acclimated, it can withstand short periods of dryness, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with water restrictions.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it ideal for containers and small spaces without overwhelming the area.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated from seed or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edging for sidewalks and pathways: Lobelia can be used to create a colorful border along the edges of walkways, offering a pleasant aesthetic touch to garden paths.
- Living mulch: When planted densely, lobelia can act as living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around taller plants.
- Accent in rock gardens: Its compact size and cascade of flowers make lobelia suitable for adding bursts of color to rock gardens and alpine settings.
- Fairy gardens: Due to its small stature, lobelia fits well in miniature fairy garden designs, providing a lush, colorful landscape for imaginative play.
- Seasonal ground cover: When used as a temporary ground cover, lobelia can fill in bare spots in the garden while other perennial ground covers are getting established.
- Photography backdrop: The vibrant blue, violet, or white flowers of lobelia can serve as a beautiful natural backdrop for macro or close-up photography.
- Container spiller: Planted in hanging baskets or containers, lobelia elegantly cascades over the sides, creating a spill effect that enhances the visual appeal.
- Pet-friendly garden addition: Lobelia is generally considered safe for pets, making it an attractive option for gardens frequented by cats and dogs.
- Art and crafts: The flowers can be used in pressed flower art, adding vivid colors to natural craft projects.
- Trailing plant for vertical gardens: Lobelia can be grown in vertical gardens, where its trailing habit can create a waterfall-like effect amongst other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLobelia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLobelia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion: Because of its trailing habit and persistent blooming, lobelia is often associated with undying devotion or an unbroken bond.
- Healing: Historically, some species of lobelia were used medicinally, hence it may symbolize the healing of body or spirit.
- Good Vibes: The bright and prolific flowers of the lobelia bring to mind positivity and can signify good vibrations or energies.
- Persistence: As lobelia can thrive in various conditions and continually bloom throughout the season, it represents persistence and determination.
WaterThe trailing lobelia, known as the Cascade Lobelia, prefers consistently moist soil, so regular watering is essential. Generally, watering once every two to three days is appropriate, but this may vary depending on temperature and humidity. During particularly hot or windy days, check the soil moisture levels and water if the top inch feels dry. Apply water directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, using roughly one to two gallons per week for a standard-sized hanging basket or container. Adjust the amount as needed for in-ground plants, ensuring the soil remains damp but not waterlogged.
LightThe Cascade Lobelia thrives in full to partial sunlight. Ideally, it should be placed where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade. A spot that benefits from morning sunlight and shelter from the intense afternoon sun is perfect for maintaining vibrant bloom colors and healthy foliage.
TemperatureCascade Lobelia performs best in moderate climates, favouring temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 85°F, prolonged exposure to extremes beyond this range can be detrimental. The plant will thrive in an environment that is consistently within its favored temperature bracket.
PruningPruning the Cascade Lobelia helps maintain a bushy habit and encourages more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips after the initial flowering to promote a second bloom period. Pruning is most effective when performed mid-season or immediately after a flush of flowers has finished. This typically means pruning every two to three weeks during the active growing period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lobelia, commonly known as edging lobelia or garden lobelia, is well-draining and fertile, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite can provide the nutrients and drainage needed for optimal growth.
RepottingGarden lobelia does not typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an annual. However, if it is kept as a perennial in containers, repotting every 1-2 years in spring is beneficial to refresh the soil and allow more space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingGarden lobelia thrives in average humidity conditions. While it prefers a bit of humidity, it does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in most home or garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from intense midday sun.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleLobelia erinus 'Colour Cascade', commonly known as trailing lobelia, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-drained soil during the warmth of late winter to spring. Germination occurs within 1-3 weeks, eventually giving rise to delicate seedlings that require careful watering and protection from extreme conditions. As the seedlings grow and become established, they develop a trailing habit, flowering profusely through the summer months, showcasing a cascade of small, vibrant blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. The plant reaches full maturity in a few months, at which point it can be pruned lightly to encourage bushier growth and prolonged blooming. As autumn approaches, trailing lobelia reduces flowering and eventually dies back with the first frosts unless it is situated in a mild climate or brought indoors; however, it may behave as a perennial in warmer zones. To continue the cycle, the plant can be propagated by cuttings or seeds may be collected for sowing in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Lobelia erinus 'Colour Cascade', commonly known as trailing lobelia, is typically propagated through seed. The optimal time to sow lobelia seeds is in late winter to early spring, ensuring they will be ready to flower in the summer. To propagate lobelia from seed, begin by sprinkling the fine seeds on top of a moist, well-draining seed starting mix in a flat or tray. Lobelia seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, gently press them into the surface and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the tray in a warm location with temperatures around 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) and provide bright, indirect light. Seedlings usually emerge in 14-21 days, and once they are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or hanging baskets, where they will grow into a colorful cascade of blooms.
