lobelia cardinalis - red lobelia

> Hi there.  I have had lobelia cardinalis for some years now, in moist
> soil, with not a lot of sun, and I've even moved it around seeking a
> better reaction, but it's not a plant that has done well for me.
Isabelle - it also depends whether you're growing the species with a green leaf (which should grow very well in damp spots and average fertility) or one of the hybrids.

For example, the bronze leaved variety 'Queen Victoria' is really tender (almost an annual) and can be knocked back quite quickly by winter. I've never been able to really grow it. Which is not surprising considering it has a usda zone 7 rating.

The other green leaved varieties on the market sometimes sold as perennials (often labelled generically 'red' or 'blue') also more closely resemble annuals in my garden than perennials. I believe these currently known as Lobelia x speciosa and are considered usda zone 6 hardiness (a long way from my zone 4) :-) The most often sold in this group are the 'Compliment' and 'Fan' series because they are readily available from seed. Gorgeous but again, a little too tender for me.

I know that some garden centers that grow their own perennials confuse the species with these x speciosa plants and sell them as "hardy". ;-)

Growing one of the tender ones that manage to survive the winter but struggle through the growing season is not uncommon. They usually don't manage to grow more than a year or two like this.

Don't know if that's what's happening or not but something to consider until more info is provided.

Doug


Doug Green
Author of the award winning "Gardening Wisdom"
Free gardening newsletter at www.gardening-tips-perennials.com

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