Trailing Lobelia
Blue Wings Lobelia is a charming half-hardy annual that brings delicate, sky-blue flowers to summer gardens from June through August. This dwarf cultivar reaches just 12-24 inches tall and 8 inches wide, yet punches above its weight with blooms that attract pollinators while remaining untouched by deer. Sown indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost, Blue Wings flowers within 56-84 days from seed, thriving in full sun across hardiness zones 9-11 with moderate water and minimal fuss.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
24in H x 8in W
Perennial
Moderate
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The tiny seeds and delicate seedlings demand respect during the early stages, thriving indoors at warm temperatures (70-75°F) before being cooled once growth begins. Slugs are a genuine threat to young plants, but a simple dusting of crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth offers reliable protection. The payoff comes in summer when those fragile seedlings transform into tidy, floriferous plants that deer leave alone and pollinators visit constantly.
Blue Wings Lobelia is grown as a flowering ornamental that adds vertical interest and color to mixed borders, containers, and garden beds throughout the summer season.
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Surface sow the tiny seeds and press them lightly into seed-starting mix. Keep the soil at 70-75°F until seeds germinate in 5-10 days. Once seedlings emerge and begin growing, lower temperatures to 55-60°F to prevent leggy growth. Transplant into individual pots as soon as seedlings are large enough to handle.
Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Space plants 8 inches apart in beds or containers after your last frost date has passed. Choose a location with full sun for best flowering.
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