Overview of Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.)
Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.) is a perennial plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. This plant is commonly known as the hybrid lobelia and is a result of the crossing between Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica.
Origin
The hybrid lobelia is a North American plant, native to the Great Lakes region and eastern North America. It grows best in areas with cool summers and moist, well-drained soil.
Common Names
The hybrid lobelia is commonly known as cardinal flower, great blue lobelia, queen victoria lobelia or lobelia ×speciosa.
Uses
The hybrid lobelia is primarily grown as an ornamental garden plant due to its vibrant blue or red flowers which bloom in late summer to early fall. It is also grown in pots or containers and used as a cut flower in floral arrangements. Additionally, extracts from this plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory illnesses like asthma and coughs.
General Appearance
The hybrid lobelia typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet. It has a clustered, upright growth habit and bears bright green leaves that are toothed and lance-shaped. The flowers are tubular, and their color varies from red, blue, or violet. They bloom in spikes of dense clusters, and the blooms have a nectar-rich environment that makes them attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Light Requirements
The Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.) plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. It can tolerate some shade but growth may be stunted, and flowering may be reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.) plant prefers moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, exposure to prolonged high temperature may cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.) plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged, as the roots may rot, leading to plant death.
Cultivation of Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden
Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden is a perennial plant that belongs to Campanulaceae family. It is commonly known as the Hybrid Lobelia, and it produces an abundance of beautiful flowers during the growing season. These plants are relatively easy to grow, and here are some simple guidelines for cultivation.
Watering Needs
Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden requires regular watering during the growing season, but it is essential not to overwater the plant. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as saturated soil can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week and allow the soil to dry between watering. During the winter months, the plant requires little water as it goes into a dormant phase.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and abundant flowers, it is recommended to fertilize Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in potassium, as this will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package, and water the plant well after application.
Pruning
To maintain the shape of the plant and promote new growth, it is recommended to prune Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden regularly. Cut back the stems by about one-third in the late summer or early fall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead the spent flowers as they appear during the growing season to encourage new blooms.
Following these cultivation methods and care for your Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden will ensure it flourishes and produces an abundance of beautiful flowers in the growing season.
Propagation of Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden
Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden, commonly known as Western hybrid lobelia, is a popular garden plant with attractive flower spikes in shades of blue and purple.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden is by seeds. The plants produce numerous tiny seeds that can be collected when the flower spikes turn brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season.
Propagation by seeds can be done indoors or outdoors. Indoors, the seeds can be sown in pots filled with moist seed-starting mix, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept in a warm and bright location. Outdoor sowing is also possible by scattering the seeds directly onto prepared soil. The soil should be moist and kept well-watered until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Division
Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and replanting them.
The best time for division is in spring or early autumn after the blooming season. Carefully dig up the parent plant and separate it into smaller sections with roots attached. Each section should have several stems and healthy roots. Plant the sections in well-drained soil and water well.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible, but it is more challenging than the other methods. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the parent plant in early summer before the flower spikes have appeared. Select healthy stems that have not yet become too woody and cut them to a length of 5-6 inches. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in moist soil or rooting hormone. Keep the soil moist and provide shade to prevent wilting.
Propagation of Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet var. occidentalis Bowden is relatively easy and can be done by anyone with basic gardening knowledge.
Disease Management
Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.) is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. It is important to be aware of these diseases so that appropriate measures can be taken to manage them.
One of the most common diseases affecting lobelia is fungal leaf spot. This disease causes dark spots to form on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage fungal leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the disease from spreading. You can also apply a fungicide to protect the remaining healthy foliage.
Another disease that can affect lobelia is powdery mildew. This disease causes a white, powdery growth to appear on the leaves, which can stunt growth and reduce plant vigor. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant by spacing them out well. You can also apply a fungicide to protect the plant.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.) is also susceptible to insect pests that can damage or kill the plant if left unmanaged. Here are some common pests that can affect lobelia:
Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems, which can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Spider mites: These insects are so small that they are almost invisible to the naked eye but can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the foliage. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap or a horticultural oil.
Cutworms: These pests are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plants, causing wilting and often killing the plant. To manage cutworms, you can use a biological control like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
It is essential to regularly inspect your Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet (pro sp.) var. occidentalis Bowden (pro nm.) plant for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to manage them before they cause significant damage to the plant.
