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Description
Lobelia Kalmii is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the Lobeliaceae family and is commonly known as Kalm’s Lobelia. This plant can grow up to 60cm in height and has a slender stem with alternate leaves. The flowers of Lobelia Kalmii are tubular in shape and can range in color from pale blue to purple. The blooms appear in mid-summer and continue through the fall season.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Lobeliaceae |
| Genus | Lobelia |
Appearance
Lobelia Kalmii has a slender stem with alternate leaves that can grow up to 60cm in height. The leaves are lance-shaped and can range in color from light green to dark green. The flowers of Lobelia Kalmii are tubular in shape, and the color can range from pale blue to purple, with a white throat. The blooms appear in mid-summer and continue through the fall season. The plant produces small, brown, capsule-like fruits that contain a large number of tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Lobelia Kalmii prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: Lobelia Kalmii prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it prefers a cooler environment.Hardiness Zones: Lobelia Kalmii is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lobelia Kalmii is susceptible to root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot diseases. It is also prone to infestations of aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regular inspection of the plant can help prevent or detect these issues early on. Proper watering and good air circulation can also help prevent these problems.
Habitat
Lobelia Kalmii is commonly found in wetlands, bogs, and swamps. It prefers moist, acidic soil and partial to full sun exposure. This plant can also be found in meadows, rocky slopes, and along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lobelia Kalmii a good plant for containers?
A: Yes, Lobelia Kalmii can be grown in containers, but it requires consistent moisture and good drainage.
Q: Does Lobelia Kalmii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the tubular flowers of Lobelia Kalmii attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I fertilize Lobelia Kalmii?
A: Fertilize Lobelia Kalmii with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Lobelia Kalmii?
A: Propagate Lobelia Kalmii through division or stem cuttings in the spring or early summer.
Related Plants
- Lobelia cardinalis
- Lobelia siphilitica
- Lobelia inflata
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LOKA2
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/growing-lobelia-plants.htm
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/lobelia_kalmii.shtml
