How to identify Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Edging lobelia, also known as Garden lobelia, Sapphire lobelia
Edging lobelia is characterized by its vibrant and diverse blooms, including dark blue, soft blue, carmine red with a white eye, and even pure white flowers. Individual plants typically reach 4 to 6 inches in height. Some cultivars showcase distinctive bronze-green foliage, while others exhibit trailing forms, reaching lengths suitable for hanging baskets. The flowers have a noteworthy morphology with five lobes. To maintain its display of color, edging lobelia benefits from a trim after each blossoming cycle to promote further flowering.
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Indigo blue flowers with white throat, tubular, 5-parted, irregularly shaped, 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Distinctive bronze-green foliage & trailing forms, reaching 4-6 inches in height.
Small dehiscent capsule <0.5 inches (1.27 cm), brownish hue. Seeds are fine dust-like texture.
Leaves without petioles, obvate lower leaves, linear upper leaves. Bright green with serrated edges.
Flowers with 5 lobes, dark blue, soft blue, carmine red, or pure white blooms.
Edging lobelia features leaves with essentially no petioles. The lower leaves are obvate, generally incised, and can be around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long. The upper leaves are linear, serrated, and typically measure about 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in length. These leaves are bright green with a smooth texture and a simple vein pattern. The distinct shapes and serration patterns make the leaves identifiable, complementing their aesthetic appeal.
Edging lobelia produces striking indigo blue or purple blue flowers with a white throat. Each flower is tubular, 5-parted, and irregularly shaped with two lips. The flower has five petals; the three lower petals are larger and wider, while the two upper petals are narrow, pointed, and held close together. They typically reach about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size. These flowers bloom profusely and are most prominent during the spring and summer months.
The fruit of edging lobelia is a small, dehiscent capsule, typically less than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in length. It is not particularly ornamental, often hidden beneath the foliage's canopy. Upon maturity, the capsule splits open, revealing numerous tiny seeds. The color of the mature fruit is a brownish hue, blending with the plant's overall color palette. The seeds within have an exceedingly fine, almost dust-like texture, reflecting the inconspicuous nature of the fruit.
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Scientific Classification of Edging lobelia
