Origin
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh, commonly known as pale spiked lobelia or spike lobelia, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It can be found growing in the central and eastern regions of the US, as well as in parts of Canada.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name, Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh is also known by several common names, including pale spiked lobelia, spike lobelia, and panicled lobelia.
Uses
The plant is mainly used for its ornamental purposes. Its showy blue, lavender, or white flowers, which bloom from June to September, make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. Aside from its aesthetic value, it is also known to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
General Appearance
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a slightly toothed edge. The flowers are arranged in dense spikes at the top of the stem, each having a tubular shape with five petals. The flowers can range in color from light blue to lavender and even white. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
The Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh plant requires full sunlight to grow. The plant needs a lot of light to develop and thrive. Lack of enough light can lead to a stunted growth habit.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in cold climates and requires a minimum temperature range of 10°C - 20°C. It can withstand frost but dies at temperatures below -18°C.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for growing Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh should be loamy or sandy and have a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be well-drained and moist but not waterlogged. Adding organic matter such as compost or leaf litter can improve the soil's fertility and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh is a species of the Lobelia family and is famous as Spike lobelia, Pale spiked lobelia, and Spiked lobelia. It is a perennial plant found in North America in sandy habitats, rocky slopes, and woodlands. This plant prefers full sun to part shade, and it grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
The ideal planting time for Spike lobelia is in spring, after the danger of frost has passed. It can also be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If you are using seeds, start them indoors before transplanting. You can begin to fertilize the plant after transplanting.
Watering Needs
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh requires regular watering until it becomes established. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases. This plant thrives in moist to wet soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or bog gardens. Once established, this perennial plant is drought tolerant, but it will benefit from regular watering during extended dry periods.
Fertilization
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh benefits from a balanced fertilizer application in early spring. A fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation is ideal. You can also apply compost or other organic matter around the plant to enhance soil fertility. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh does not require regular pruning. However, it may benefit from a light trim after the first flush of flowers has faded to encourage a second set of blooms. You can deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding and promote new flower growth. It is essential to avoid cutting back the plant's foliage as it may inhibit its growth and flowering.
Propagation of Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh, commonly known as spiked lobelia, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant is a popular choice for gardeners due to its beautiful spike-like flowers that bloom in shades of blue and deep purple.
Propagation methods
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh can be propagated using various methods. The most common methods are:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting mix in the early spring, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. The best time to divide this plant is in the early spring before new growth appears.
Root cuttings
Root cuttings are another method of propagating Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh. This method involves taking a section of root from an established plant and using it to grow a new plant. The best time to take root cuttings is in the late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant. The root cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until they begin to grow.
Overall, Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh is an easy plant to propagate, and gardeners can choose the propagation method that suits them best.
Disease Management
The plant Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh is susceptible to different diseases that can cause severe damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. The following are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Fungal Diseases: Lobelia spicata is susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, it's essential to avoid overhead watering, ensure proper drainage, and keep the plant dry. If the plant already has fungal disease, removing the affected parts, improving drainage, and applying fungicides can be helpful.
- Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt can affect the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To control bacterial diseases, removing the infected plant parts and applying copper-based fungicides can be helpful.
- Viral Diseases: Lobelia spicata is also vulnerable to viral diseases that can lead to yellowing of leaves, stunting, and deformation of the plant parts. There's no cure for viral diseases, so it's essential to prevent the spread of the disease by removing the infected plant parts, controlling the vectors, and maintaining plant health by providing good growing conditions.
Pest management
Lobelia spicata Lam. var. scaposa McVaugh can also attract several pests that can damage the plant. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing distortion and stunted growth of the plant. Spraying insecticidal soap can help control the pest.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck plant sap, causing yellowing, and webbing on the leaves. Spraying the plant with a jet of water can help control the pest, while insecticidal soap and neem oil can be used for severe infestations.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that suck plant sap, causing deformation and silvering of the leaves. To manage thrips, spraying insecticidal soap can help, while neem oil can help in severe infestations.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. Providing good drainage and reducing humidity can help control slugs and snails. If the infestation is severe, using bait or handpicking the pests can be helpful.
