I started them from seed this year. After reading some threads on lobelia here, it seems that even though it says they need full sun, many say they do much better in a more shaded area. Out of about 400 various seedlings I just hardened off, my lobelia is the worst off. Droopy! Can't tell if the nights have been too cool or what..I'm trying to salvage them. Maybe someone has some advice.

It was told to me that in my area they need to be planted under a dapple shade tree or on the north side of my house with shade from the west afternoon sun. They also need mostly even moist soil which drains well.

I still have not planted mine due to my concern that I might not have the right place for them.

Right now they are still in their liners and are sitting just north of my hosta bed on the north side of my house and are shaded by a heatpump, which sits just to the west of them. After each rain they perk up and look beautiful, but if I do not water them nearly every day, they simply lay over and drastically droop. When I notice that I rush to water them and they perk up, but not as well as they respond if they receive rain.

Still they are covered with blue flowers and white eyes.

I know it will be important to plant them soon before they outgrow the liners. Hopefully they survive.

Do they drop seed, die in the winter and regrow in the spring? They are so beautiful, when in bloom. I hope they are not just one growing season wonders.

If they drop seeds will the seeds germinate in an acidic bed or do they need more alkaline soil?

HI All, I went back to my nurserey yesterday & asked about lobelia. The woman, (MG), told me lobelia LOVE water & are very unforgiving when they don't get it. The planter I recd has marigold, geranium, vinca & dusty miller & she told me these were uncompatible w/lobelia. She suggested I plant them w/tuberous begonia, & gave a few other suggestions but since I just planted begonia, I took the lobelia out & put in w/the beg. I watered heavily & they look better already. (an hr ago!) I put scaevola in place of the lobelia in the planter. The lobelia is in a place where it will get dappled sun under a tree. I'll let you know how long the lobelia looks good. Thank you all.

my cousins who have this have it in direct sun and the ground is always very wet as they live next to a canal and their lobelia look wonderful.

susan

what is this peachy pink flower in the picture above? I have it and can't find any information on it. thanks

Wow where were these pictures hiding,they are several years old!! If memory serves me correctly i think they may be Nemesia,or angelonias.Can't really remember and no longer have them.

Kathi