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Description
Lobelia Andrewsii, commonly known as Andrew’s Lobelia or Great Blue Lobelia, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Lobeliaceae family. This species is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and prairies. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has smooth, green stems with lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are bright blue, tubular, and grow in a terminal raceme. The plant blooms from mid to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Lobeliaceae |
| Genus | Lobelia |
Appearance
The Lobelia Andrewsii plant has smooth, green stems that grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are lance-shaped, dark green, and grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are bright blue, tubular, and grow in a terminal raceme. The blooms have 5 petals that are fused into a tube shape, and the lower lip is larger than the upper lip. The plant blooms from mid to late summer, and the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
Water
Lobelia Andrewsii prefers moist soil and needs regular watering during the growing season. However, the plant does not tolerate standing water, so make sure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Soil
The Lobelia Andrewsii plant prefers moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level. You can amend the soil with organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate some shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from afternoon shade to prevent wilting.
Hardiness Zones
The Lobelia Andrewsii plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lobelia Andrewsii plant is relatively pest-free, but it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests. The plant is also susceptible to crown rot and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Lobelia Andrewsii is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and prairies. The plant prefers moist soil and grows in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lobelia Andrewsii a good plant for pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant blooms from mid to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Does Lobelia Andrewsii require a lot of water?
A: Yes, the plant prefers moist soil and needs regular watering during the growing season.
Q: Can Lobelia Andrewsii tolerate shade?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate some shade, but it prefers full sun to partial shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lobelia Andrewsii?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Related Plants
- Lobelia Cardinalis
- Lobelia Siphilitica
- Lobelia Inflata
- Lobelia Tupa
References
- “Lobelia Andrewsii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277914. Accessed 23 August 2021.
- “Great Blue Lobelia.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LOAN2. Accessed 23 August 2021.
- “Lobelia Andrewsii.” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/gr_blue_lobelia.htm. Accessed 23 August 2021.
