matted pratia
Lobelia pedunculata
Also Known As - trailing pratiaCycle:
Annual
Watering:
Frequent
Hardiness Zone:
5
Flowers:
Showy, Red, Pink, Purple, Blue, Violet, White, Dark-red Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Fruits:
blue,purple Fruits In Autumn Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Lobelia x speciosa can be watered weekly, though less frequently during cooler months. Water thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. To determine when to water the plant, stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels damp or wet, water only when the soil has dried out. During peak summer months, ensure the soil stays slightly moist.
sunlight
Lobelia x speciosa plants prefer full or partial sunlight, with at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. For optimal growth, it is best to give your plants a maximum of 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day. During periods of extreme summer heat, plants may benefit from a little afternoon shade. Direct southern exposure is ideal but in areas with intense sunlight, some afternoon shade is necessary. It is important to provide enough sunlight to keep foliage and flowers from burning.
pruning
Lobelia x speciosa should be pruned in the spring after new growth begins to appear. It's important to prune the plant back heavily to encourage full, bushy growth. Depending on the desired shape of the plant, start by removing any crossed branches and thinning out long spindly branches. Additionally, cut back on any dead wood or that has been damaged by cold or wind. Lastly, prune back the entire plant by up to 1-third to encourage fresh new growth.
