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New lobelias sure to bring out the artist in you

By Norman Winter, McClatchy-Tribune News Service, Source: MCT News Service

If you love playing like you're Monet as you design mixed containers then you must learn the new component plants Techno Heat, Lucia and Waterfall. These are all new lobelia series gaining the attention of every professional designer of mixed floral containers.

They are all Lobelia erinus or hybrids, native to Southern Africa, and much different that our tall native cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis, known as a hummingbird magnet. But don't fret, use these blue lobelias in containers and hanging baskets and you'll find them attracting their fair share of butterflies.

The reason these new varieties are garnering such attention is that they are showing a new heat tolerance blooming like superstars from spring through mid-summer. The series are all vegetatively propagated giving you a little more vigorous of a performance over the seed produced selections. Cooler regions of the country will find them blooming even longer.

While many gardeners like the rare shades of blue provided by the lobelia in the border as an edging type plant I think they are simply unbeatable in a container mixed with other flowers like argyranthemum, calibrachoa, petunias and verbena.

In the landscape they will prefer fertile but very well drained soil. Soggy soil will not yield satisfactory results. If your soil is heavy then incorporate 3 to 4 inches of compost, peat or humus prior to planting. A good layer of mulch will help keep the soil cooler.

In hanging baskets and mixed containers the task is a lot easier. Simply make sure the container has holes for drainage and select a good light weight, airy potting soil. Today's better soils even have slow-release fertilizer already in the blend.

The lobelia needs plenty of sun to bloom its best although a little mid-afternoon shade will certainly be appreciated as you head toward summer and the temperatures start to climb.

Each series has various shades of blue. The Waterfall Blue and the new Techno Heat Electric Blue are riveting with a color that almost seems iridescent. Pay attention as you shop for lobelias in that some are considered upright and others trailing.

In containers you'll find yourself watering daily as spring starts to warm. This frequent watering will leach the nutrients, meaning you need to fertilize more often. Use controlled released granules according to label directions or water soluble fertilizer that you mix.

I've seen great combination of triadic harmony using the blue of the Techno Heat Electric Blue lobelia partnered with Callie Yellow calibrachoa and Lanai Red verbena. Another sizzling container featured Techno Heat Electric Blue with Callie Rose calibrachoa and white argyranthemum daisies for a red white and blue patriotic display.

There are so many combinations that can be created using the intense blue of the lobelia remember that adding yellow though not directly its complement is nonetheless contrasting enough to make a visually stunning display.

Spring is coming sooner than you think and you'll find shopping at your garden center a real outing for the family. Be sure and include some of these new lobelias in your designer containers. Your neighbors will be jealous of your creation.

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(Winter is vice president for college advancement, Brewton Parker College, Mount Vernon, Ga., and author of the highly acclaimed "Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South" and his newest release, "Captivating Combinations Color and Style in the Garden.")

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(c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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PHOTOS (from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): ongardening