Lobelia x gerardii Vedrariensis - seeds

Lobelia x gerardii Vedrariensis, also known as Violet Lobelia or Purple Lobelia, is a perennial plant that is quite sensitive to cold but has great ornamental value. In the second half of summer, it produces magnificent floral spikes in shades of purple. It can be used to decorate terraces, summer flowerbeds, or the banks of a pond, as it thrives in moist environments.

Lobelia x gerardii Vedrariensis is an herbaceous plant with short rhizomes from the Campanulaceae family. It first forms basal rosettes of leaves, from which thick leafy stems emerge. The overall plant forms a beautiful clump, reaching 70-80 cm in height and 30-40 cm in width. The leaves, measuring 5 to 10 cm in length, are lanceolate to elliptical, fairly wide, and dark green, often tinged with red. The plant blooms generously in August-September. At the end of the stems, spikes measuring 15 to 45 cm in length develop, adorned with numerous two-lipped flowers that arise from the axils of bracts or leaves. Their colour is a mix of violet and purple. This flowering is nectar-rich and attracts pollinating insects. The fruit is a twin capsule containing fine seeds. The vegetation of this lobelia is deciduous, emerging from the ground in spring and drying up in autumn. Its roots can withstand short freezes of around -7 °C. In regions with colder winters, it is preferable to protect this plant from the cold to ensure its survival. It is also possible to harvest the seeds at the end of the season and sow them for the following season.

Lobelia gerardii Vedrariensis thrives in moist to wet, neutral to slightly acidic soils, occasionally even in flooded areas. It prefers sunny exposures in moist soil but can also tolerate partially shaded areas, as long as the soil remains consistently moist during summer. It looks beautiful in large flower pots with annual salvias, and is ideal for water gardens and border beds near ponds. It can be combined with phlox paniculata, its cousins Lobelia siphilitica and Lobelia cardinalis, Goat's Beard, or Astilbes, for example.

Attention, these seeds are intended for experienced gardeners who are used to sowing very fine seeds. The seeds are as fine as dust and barely visible to the naked eye. We also offer this plant already growing in pots.