Lobelia 'Dark Crusader' — annual

Overview

Lobelia 'Dark Crusader' is a annual in the genus Lobelia, part of the Campanulaceae family. Lobelia 'Dark Crusader' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H1. Suggested uses include bedding, containers, hanging baskets and borders.

About

Lobelia 'Dark Crusader' is an annual in the Campanulaceae grown for summer flowering and use in bedding, containers, hanging baskets and borders. It flowers from June to September. Best sited in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil with a sheltered aspect; its UK hardiness is H1 (tender), so avoid frost or treat it as a summer-only plant.

About the genus

Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae comprising 444 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lobelia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia

In the garden

Lobelia 'Dark Crusader' is an annual lobelia selected for seasonal display; it belongs to the Campanulaceae and produces its flowering display from June to September. As a tender annual in UK gardens it is used where a reliable summer show is wanted, rather than as a plant to overwinter outdoors. Plant into positions that receive full sun or partial shade. The cultivar prefers moist, well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered situation where wind will not tear the stems. Hardiness is H1 (tender), which means it does not tolerate frost; in practice that calls for planting out after the risk of frost has passed and removing or protecting plants before cold weather returns. Lobelia 'Dark Crusader' suits formal bedding schemes, mixed container displays, hanging baskets and the front of borders where summer colour is required. Place containers where they have some protection from prevailing wind to reduce moisture loss and stress. Expect its season of interest to run through the main summer months from June to September when sited in appropriate conditions.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lobelia

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H1

Plant details

Lobelia 'Dark Crusader' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: annual
Suggested uses: bedding, containers, hanging baskets, borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lobelia 'Dark Crusader'

Cultivation: Grow in fertile, moist, well-drained soil; water regularly; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Pinch back to encourage bushiness; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Propagation: seed, cuttings