Trailing Lobelia Lobelia erinus Techno Heat Trailing Light Blue Improved = 'Lobstrahob' (PBR) (Techno Heat Series)
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ABOUT
The Lobelia erinus Techno Heat Trailing Light Blue Improved, which is part of the Techno Heat Series and often referred to simply as Lobelia, boasts a captivating appearance that attracts many gardeners and flower enthusiasts. It typically displays a dense spreading habit with cascading stems that are adorned by masses of delicate blooms. The flowers of this particular variety are a soft light blue color with a slightly paler center that seems to glow, creating a striking contrast with the vivid green foliage. The leaves of the Lobelia are small, oval-shaped, and somewhat serrated, providing a textured background against which the gentle blue petals stand out. The overall effect of the plant is one of dainty charm, with the bountiful blossoms creating a frothy appearance that is often used to soften the edges of containers, hanging baskets, or along garden borders. As a trailing variety, this Lobelia spills gracefully over the sides of its planted space, contributing a cooling blue tone to the palette of a garden display. The allure of this plant is in its prolific blooming habit and the way its flowers cover the plant for a considerable part of the flowering season, transforming any setting into a serene sea of light blue.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Trailing Lobelia, Edging Lobelia, Garden Lobelia, Cascade Lobelia
Common names
Lobelia erinus 'Lobstrahob'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Lobelia plant contains several alkaloids, such as lobeline, that can be toxic if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of Lobelia poisoning in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, dizziness, excessive salivation, and weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious side effects such as hypotension, heart problems, and even coma. It's important to keep this plant out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
Lobelia is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If they consume any part of the plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, lethargy, and, in severe cases, tremors or seizures. Keep Lobelia plants away from pets to prevent accidental ingestion and potential poisoning. If you suspect your pet has ingested Lobelia, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Light Blue
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Extended Blooming Season: Lobelia erinus flowers continuously providing a long display of vibrant light blue blooms.
- Drought Tolerance: Part of the Techno Heat series, it's more tolerant to dry conditions than some other varieties.
- Heat Resistance: Selected for improved performance in hot weather, ensuring the plant remains lush and vibrant when temperatures rise.
- Trailing Growth Habit: Its trailing growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets, planters, and as a groundcover, adding visual interest at different levels.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, which is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for an easy-to-maintain plant.
- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Colorful Foliage: In addition to flowers, it offers attractive green foliage that complements other plants in mixed displays.
- Space Efficient: Its compact size allows it to fit well in small gardens and balconies without overcrowding other plants.
- Fast Growing: Quick to establish and bloom, providing immediate gratification in garden spaces or containers.
- Non-Invasive: It doesn’t aggressively spread beyond its intended area, making it a polite addition to mixed borders.
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 can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, imparting a range of blues and greens depending on the mordant used.
- It's suitable for creating miniature fairy gardens or terrariums due to its small size and delicate flowers.
- Since it attracts pollinators like butterflies, it can be planted strategically in fruit and vegetable gardens to improve pollination.
- The plant is often utilized in educational settings for botany studies because it exhibits clear and distinct growth patterns and flower structures.
- Pressed flower art can benefit from the inclusion of Lobelia erinus due to its vibrant blue flowers that maintain color well when dried.
- Due to its cascading habit, it is ideal for decorating living walls or green sculptures where trailing plants are desired.
- Lobelia erinus can serve as a living mulch, providing ground cover that suppresses weeds around larger plants in mixed flower beds.
- The plant can be used in pet-safe garden areas, as it is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- It makes an excellent candidate for "spiller" in the "spiller-filler-thriller" container gardening technique, spilling over the edges gracefully.
- Photographers can use it as a naturally vivid backdrop for macro photography, capturing the intricate details of insects that visit the blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLobelia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLobelia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion: Often associated with an intense attraction or an unspoken connection between people due to its striking blue flowers that seem to command attention.
- Distinction: The unique trailing habit of 'Lobelia erinus' lends itself to a sense of individuality and uniqueness, symbolizing one who stands out from the crowd.
- Healing: In herbal medicine, lobelias have been used to treat respiratory ailments, aligning them with breath and life, hence representing recovery and restoration.
WaterThe Lobelia, commonly known as trailing lobelia, should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which may amount to watering every few days, depending on climate conditions. This could translate to approximately 16-24 ounces of water for smaller pots or up to 1 gallon for larger containers every week. It is essential to adjust watering frequency based on temperature and weather, with less water required during cooler, rainy periods, and more during hot spells. Always provide good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightTrailing lobelia thrives best in full to partial sunlight. It is important to place it in a spot where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in regions with particularly intense midday sun, providing some afternoon shade will help prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureTrailing lobelia prefers cooler temperature conditions and performs best when daytime temperatures stay below 80°F and above 60°F. The plant can handle temperatures as low as 40°F but should not be exposed to frost. To enjoy rich flowering, aim to provide an environment within this ideal temperature range.
PruningPruning trailing lobelia is done primarily to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth with more blooms. Pinch back the stem tips every few weeks during the growing season to promote branching. After the first flush of flowers fades, cut back the plant by one-third to encourage a second bloom period. The best time for heavier pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Lobelia prefers a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5-7. A mix of peat, loam, and sand or perlite would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingLobelia, commonly known as trailing lobelia, should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingTrailing lobelia thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, typically around 40-70%. Avoid overly dry air which can cause stress to the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, moist soil, deadhead for blooms.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleLobelia 'Techno Heat Light Blue Improved' begins its life as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil conditions, typically within one to three weeks. Following germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a small rosette of leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops a more extensive root system and numerous leaves, and it may start to form trailing stems if it's grown in hanging baskets or containers. When mature enough, the plant transitions to the flowering stage, producing delicate light blue flowers that can bloom under a wide range of temperatures. This Lobelia may continue to flower for several months, especially if deadheaded regularly, which encourages further blooms. After the flowering season, the plant will produce seeds, completing its lifecycle, and may die back if exposed to frost or if it is an annual variety; if perennial, it may enter dormancy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Lobelia erinus, commonly known as the edging lobelia or trailing lobelia, is through seed. To propagate by seed, sow the tiny seeds indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date to allow for enough growing time before transplanting outdoors. Seeds should be lightly pressed into a seed-starting mix but not covered, as they need light to germinate. Maintain the soil temperature around 72°F (22°C), and keep the soil consistently moist. Germination usually occurs within 14 to 21 days. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, they can be hardened off and transplanted outside to their final growing location, spaced approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart.
