Help with Lobelia

[Jonah]

Evening all.
I'm a bit confused as to whether to put this on here or the perennial message board, but hope someone can help.
I rescued some perennial lobelias today, namely Hadspen Purple, Fan Rose and Queen Victoria. I read that they like moist well drained soil, but are good around ponds and boggy areas. I thought boggy areas were far from well drained, so I'm not sure where to plant them.
Can anyone advise me?
Many thanks

[Jonah]

I suppose I'm going to have to ask in the other place.........

[4pygmies]

Hi Jonah, I googled these as I don't like to come across plants I don't know and not have a look at them! It said they like rich, fertile soil and will grow even in water so I suppose that means not well drained soils. It also said they can be moved any time even when in flower. This means I am barred forever from growing them (very dry, sandy soil) which is a shame as they look really pretty.

[Deleted]

I only know about Queen Victoria and it will grow in shallow water. I ahve it in a tropical raised bed and it's fine though I do keep the bed well watered.

[Spruance]

jonah177 said:

Evening all.
I'm a bit confused as to whether to put this on here or the perennial message board, but hope someone can help.
I rescued some perennial lobelias today, namely Hadspen Purple, Fan Rose and Queen Victoria. I read that they like moist well drained soil, but are good around ponds and boggy areas. I thought boggy areas were far from well drained, so I'm not sure where to plant them.
Can anyone advise me?
Many thanks

Hi Jonah,

Well, this has taken some finding. I have four of my gardening books spread out and have been checking online as well.

As far as I can determine, all three require a fertile moist soil, but several sources suggest that the plants are not fully hardy and should be overwintered in a cold frame. I'm afraid that I have no personal experience of this plant so cannot add anything to that.

Spruance

[Deleted]

I have read that you should cut Queen Victoria back before first frosts and mulch them well. I suppose if you are in a cold area you could treat them like cannas/dahlias.

[Jonah]

Thanks everyone.
I think the DIY shop labels can be a bit general at times, I'm sure that's where I read the well drained soil bit. Unfortunately I have a tendency to raid the bargain basement when shopping, so might not always get the most suitable plants, but they were only £1.50 each so I won't lose much if they fail. I'll take a chance and put them in the beds in shadyish moist spots, with ferns and hostas that do well, I will see how/if they get through the winter. At least they are adding a bit of exotic looking colour now! And I'm trying some cuttings [bits were falling off!]. Nothing ventured eh!
Thanks for the advice all.

[Deleted]

I have had some growing in a north facing border for the last 3 years - they are doing just fine

[Deleted]

I'm getting the hang of this....back in June I dunked a lobelia in a basket and completely submerged it in my small pond (don't think I was supposed to!).
It's now in full bloom and standing over 5 ft high I will be bringing it in over winter though.

[Deleted]

I always keep my queen vics in the shallow end of the pond so the slugs dont get them. They do fine and flower well. My other lobelias are planted in a west facing raised bed against a fence and under the shade of 2 trees so only get sun for about an hour a day but it hasn't stopped them flowering either They all get left out in winter but are pretty tough cookies if you protect from slugs.
Your plan to put them with hostas and ferns sounds ideal. ;D

[Jonah]

Thanks everyone. They've been shifted about the garden a bit and still alive! I think they are finally at home in cool shady spots so I will leave them alone now. Some of the fallen off bits cuttings are still looking fresh, so I will just see how they go over winter [after chopping down] and remember to keep an eye out for the slugs.