Contents
Description
Lobelia Perpusilla, commonly known as the bog lobelia, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lobeliaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, swamps, and bogs. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has green lance-shaped leaves with tiny blue flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant’s stem is covered in small hairs and can be reddish or green.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Lobeliaceae |
| Genus | Lobelia |
Appearance
Lobelia Perpusilla has green lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 inches long. The plant has tiny blue flowers that grow in clusters and bloom in late summer. The stem is covered in small hairs and can be reddish or green. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and is known for its vibrant blue color.
Care Guide
Lobelia Perpusilla prefers to grow in wet soils and should be watered frequently. The plant needs full to partial sunlight to thrive and should be fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lobelia Perpusilla is susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. The plant can also attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It is important to keep the plant’s foliage dry and to remove any affected leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
Habitat
Lobelia Perpusilla is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, swamps, and bogs. The plant prefers to grow in wet soils and can tolerate standing water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lobelia Perpusilla grow in full shade?
A: No, Lobelia Perpusilla needs full to partial sunlight to thrive.
Q: How often should Lobelia Perpusilla be fertilized?
A: Lobelia Perpusilla should be fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What pH level does Lobelia Perpusilla prefer?
A: Lobelia Perpusilla prefers acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Lobelia Perpusilla?
A: Lobelia Perpusilla is susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, rust, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Related Plants
- Lobelia Cardinalis
- Lobelia Dortmanna
- Lobelia Inflata
- Lobelia Siphilitica
References
- “Lobelia Perpusilla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b631.
- “Lobelia Perpusilla.” University of Wisconsin-Madison, www.botany.wisc.edu/courses/botany_401/Lecture/Lecture%2017-%20Lobelia%20perpusilla.pdf.
- “Lobelia Perpusilla.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/lobelia-perpusilla.
