As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with information about lobelia and their growth habits. Perennial varieties of lobelia do have the ability to come back each year, which can be a delightful addition to any garden. However, it is important to note that not all lobelia plants are perennial.
The common garden variety, Lobelia erinus, is typically grown as an annual. This means that it completes its life cycle within one year, from seed germination to flowering and seed production. Unfortunately, Lobelia erinus is not frost tolerant and will not survive the winters in climates outside USDA gardening zones 10-11, which are generally characterized by mild winters.
If you live in a colder climate, it is best to treat Lobelia erinus as an annual and replant it every year. This will ensure that you have fresh, healthy plants that can provide vibrant color to your garden during the growing season. However, there is still a chance for lobelia to come back on its own.
Lobelia plants have the ability to drop seeds, which may sprout and grow the following spring if conditions are favorable. These seeds can be dispersed by wind, water, or even garden pests, so it is possible to see new lobelia plants popping up in unexpected areas of your garden.
In my own experience, I have seen lobelia reseed itself in my garden. After enjoying the beautiful blue flowers of Lobelia erinus one summer, I noticed small seedlings emerging in the same area the following spring. It was a pleasant surprise to see these new plants growing without any effort on my part.
However, it is important to mention that the success of lobelia self-seeding can vary depending on several factors. These include the specific conditions in your garden, such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels. Additionally, the availability of pollinators and the presence of suitable habitats for seed germination can also influence the likelihood of lobelia reseeding.
To encourage lobelia to come back on its own, you can take a few steps. Firstly, allow some of the flowers to fade and produce seed pods. These pods will contain the seeds that can potentially sprout the following year. You can also gently shake the seed pods when they are dry to help disperse the seeds in different areas of your garden.
Creating a suitable environment for seed germination is also important. This can be done by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and providing adequate moisture for the seeds to sprout. It may be beneficial to lightly rake the soil surface before sowing the seeds to improve seed-to-soil contact.
While perennial varieties of lobelia have the ability to come back each year, the common garden variety Lobelia erinus is typically grown as an annual. However, these plants can drop seeds that may sprout and grow the following spring, providing you with new lobelia plants. By allowing the flowers to produce seed pods and creating favorable conditions for germination, you can increase the chances of lobelia self-seeding in your garden.
