Is blue lobelia invasive?
Extremely hardy, low care, and fairly pest and disease-free, Great Blue Lobelia tends to be short-lived, although it may self-seed in ideal growing conditions (without becoming invasive).
Is great blue lobelia a perennial?
Lobelia siphilitica, commonly called great lobelia or blue cardinal flower, is a Missouri native perennial which typically grows in moist to wet locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps, meadows and in low wooded areas.
Is great blue lobelia poisonous?
Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma. Toxic Principle: Alkaloids lobelamine, lobeline, and others, plus a volatile oil.
Is there a blue cardinal flower?
Blue Cardinal Flower is actually quite different in growth from its wildflower counterpart. It is a tougher, heftier plant with somewhat coarse, larger leaves, and the flowers appear in the leaf axils, unlike its elegant cousins red flowers that are in leaf-free flower spikes, held high above the plant.
Is blue lobelia poisonous to dogs?
Lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis), which is of the family Campanulaceae and is also known as Indian pink and cardinal flower, is one of many plants that are poisonous to dogs when ingested.
How do you take care of blue lobelia?
Blue lobelia grows best in moist soil, so regular watering results in the healthiest plants and attractive flowers. The plant needs watering about twice a week, especially during dry periods, so the top 6 inches of soil remain moist at all times.
Does lobelia need lots of sun?
Growing Lobelia Plant Annual lobelia will grow nearly anywhere. These plants typically require an area with full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They also prefer moist, rich soil. Start indoors about 10 to 12 weeks prior to the last frost in your region.
Do hummingbirds like great blue lobelia?
Great Blue Lobelia attracts desirable species, such as hummingbirds and butterflies, to your yard. Most mammals will avoid nibbling on this plant, as it contains unpleasant-tasting compounds, making it deer-resistant.
Does lobelia need sun?
Lobelia Care But lobelia comes in more colors than sweet alyssum and is more versatile due to the fact that it performs better across a spectrum of sunlight conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. Lobelia does not require a lot of maintenance.
Does blue lobelia need full sun?
Beds that receive at least six hours of sun work well for blue lobelia. The plants can tolerate some afternoon shade if they receive direct morning sun. In warmer climates, it does better in partial shade. Well-drained but rich soil works best.
What are facts about cardinal flowers?
Did You Know? Cardinal flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Although it has been used for medicinal purposes, the cardinal flower is potentially toxic to humans and other mammals. The Iroquois had many medicinal uses for cardinal flower. The Pawnee used cardinal flower roots and flowers as a love charm.
When to plant cardinal flower?
Plant cardinal flowers in spring or fall, spacing them about a foot apart. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. If the soil is sandy, add a shovelful of compost for each plant at planting time.
Is Lobelia a full sun plant?
Lobelia thrives in full sun but benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates. Any type of well-drained soil is suitable, including sandy, clay, or acidic soil. Although the plant blooms best in cool weather, it also performs well in climates with sunny, cool summers.
When to plant Lobelia cardinalis?
To give the young plants a head start, plant the seeds indoors in early February. The seeds need 15 to 20 days to grow large enough to be transplanted outdoors safely. While lobelia is cold hardy once it is established, new seedlings should not be planted too early in the season.