Lobelia Nana Crystal Palace

Lobelia Nana Crystal Palace. Annual compact, bushy plant. Ideal for borders, flower beds, mosaics and rockeries. 6" tall.  The intense and plentiful blue flowers create a notable effect. 'Crystal Palace' lobelia's compact masses of rich, dark blue flowers are charming in containers, window boxes, borders, or baskets. The leaves are bronze-tipped in part shade, intensifying in full sun and topped with masses of flowers that bloom from spring to frost. In mild climates, lobelia will grow and bloom during the winter. Under ideal growing conditions, lobelia will reseed. The dark blue flowers contrast so beautifully with the bronze foliage. It makes a very striking hanging basket.Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit winner.

The lobelia plant is an attractive annual herb with many varieties. Some of these even include biennial species. Lobelia is an easy-to-grow, carefree plant that enjoys cool weather. This summertime bloomer will continue to produce flowers on up through the first frost. Growing lobelia is an asset to the garden.

 Growing Lobelia Plant Annual lobelia will grow nearly anywhere. Lobelia seeds can be sown directly in the garden or indoors for later transplanting. These plants typically require an area with full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They also prefer moist, rich soil. Start indoors about 10 to 12 weeks prior to the last frost in your region. Spread the tiny seeds just on top of the soil and water thoroughly. Place them in a warm, well-lit area. The seedlings should pop up within a week or two, at which time you can begin thinning them out. After all danger of frost is gone and the plants are at least 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm.) tall, transplant them to the garden—spacing about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) apart. Care of Lobelia Plants Once established, the lobelia plant requires little maintenance. During hot, dry periods, care of lobelia requires that the plant should receive frequent watering, however, especially those in containers. A general-purpose liquid fertilizer can be given once a month or every four to six weeks, if desired. Lobelia should delight your garden with beautiful blooms about mid-summer, continuing on up to the first frost. Although not necessary, you can deadhead lobelia plants to maintain a neat appearance.