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Lobelia Riviera is deservedly recognized as a worthy decoration of the garden. The plant belongs to the perennials of the Lobelia genus of the Campanaceae family. Riviera series varieties first appeared in South Africa and North America. However, in the Russian Federation they are grown as annuals, since they do not tolerate low winter temperatures.
Lobelia does not tolerate direct sunlight.
General description of Lobelia Riviera
The culture is named after the scientist De Lobel. Lobelia "Riviera" is also called blue, border, blackberry (blackberry). The Riviera species is an early bloomer. Characteristics of the variety:
- Strongly branching and densely leafy plant. The bush is spherical, very compact, with a height of 10 to 40 cm. There are creeping varieties in which the length of the hanging shoots reaches 30-40 cm.
- The shoots are flowering, the internodes are located very close.
- The leaves are arranged alternately and spirally. The shape is oval-spatulate, pointed.The edges are slightly jagged, resembling scallops. The leaf blades are small, the average length is no more than 3-6 cm, and the width is about 1-1.5 cm. The color is light or dark green, some specimens have a purple tint.
- The flowers are small, the diameter of each is no more than 1.2-2 cm. Bisexual, zygomorphic, two-lipped. The peduncle is short, each with one flower. The color of the main species is blue. Lobelia "Riviera" is found with purple or white flowers.
- The flowering period lasts from early June to mid-autumn (October). By the end of summer, very small seeds ripen.
When decorating a site, lobelia is used as a border plant along paths, around flower beds, ponds or rock gardens. The lush “Riviera” bush looks luxurious in a flowerpot or hanging flowerpot. Often used as a flowering ground cover. Combines with verbena, pelargonium, petunia and rudbeckia. According to reviews, Lobelia Riviera pink creates a very beautiful background.
Subspecies of Lobelia Riviera
The variety "Riviera" has several subspecies. Gardeners know 5 varieties:
- Spreading. Plants are up to 15 cm high and the stems are twice as long - from 15 to 30 cm.
- Compact or bush. This species is distinguished by its spherical shape and good density. Height 15-20 cm.
- Erect. Grows up to 25-30 cm in height. The bush is columnar, with a beautiful regular shape.
- Dwarf. The bush is compact with a small height, only 8-12 cm.
- Hanging, better known as hanging. The shoots hang in a beautiful cascade, the length of each varies from 30 to 50 cm.
Most often you can find 3 forms belonging to the culture - ampelous, upright and compact.
The best varieties of lobelia Riviera
There are more than 300 types of crops, but not all can grow in mid-latitudes.Gardeners have to choose varieties that are most attractive and able to survive in an unusual climate.
Riviera Rose
A compact bush no more than 15 cm high, ball diameter up to 20 cm. This is a variety of pink Lobelia Riviera. Its flowering is long and abundant. The number of flowers on the plant is so large that the leaves are almost invisible. Lobelia Riviera Rose looks like a lush sphere of small bells.
With the help of "Riviera Rose" you can decorate a ridge or border
Riviera Blue
A beautiful flower with a rich blue tint. The color is a little cold, but in combination with plants of a different tone it gives an unrivaled contrast effect. The height of the bush is up to 25 cm, the flowering is lush. Lobelia erecta “Riviera Blue” goes well with other species and enriches any composition.
The flowering period of "Riviera Blue" continues until September
Midnight Blue
Lobelia erecta “Riviera Midnight Blue” (Riviera Midnight Blue) comes from North America, the shape of the crown is spherical, the plant height is no more than 20 cm. The leaf blades have a bronze tint. It blooms in open ground for a short time, for 2 months (May-June). However, with proper pruning, lobelia “Riviera Midnight Blue” is able to bloom again and delight with flowering before the onset of cold weather.
"Midnight Blue" prefers partial shade; in full sun it can die
Sky Blue
A feature of the species is the earlier onset of flowering than other varieties. Lobelia inflorescences "Riviera Sky Blue" bloom 2 weeks earlier. The shape of the bush is spherical and compact, height is about 15 cm, the shade is soft blue with a purple tint. Flowering is long, until September.
"Sky Blue" reproduces well by cuttings and sexually (seeds)
Riviera Lilac
The owner of pink and blue flowers. Blooms 3.5 months after germination. The first wave ends in early September. After cutting the shoots to a height of 5-7 cm from the ground and subsequent feeding, the second wave occurs. In this case, the bush lobelia variety “Riviera Lilac” blooms until frost.
"Riviera Lilac" is widely used for border or carpet planting.
Marine Blue
Lobelia type "Riviera" of early flowering with a rich blue tint of inflorescences. The bush is compact, has the shape of a hemisphere, diameter up to 20 cm, the stems are erect. Lobelia “Rivera Marine Blue” blooms 2 weeks earlier than the majority of varieties. A very decorative plant, it looks advantageous in any composition. A huge number of small flowers perfectly decorate flower beds, borders, balconies, and can be combined with any options.
"Marin Blue" grows well in a flowerpot, hanging planter or pot
Blue Splash
An early series with a flowering period 2 weeks earlier than usual. The bush is compact, small in height, only 13 cm. Very beautiful flowers - white with blue spurs. The leaves are dense, arranged alternately, and small. The variety "Rivera Blue Splash" is intended for open ground and container growing. Loves sunny places and warmth, blooms in the year of sowing.
The Blue Splash variety is suitable for cultivation on an industrial scale
Features of reproduction
The perennial plant is grown in temperate climates as an annual. To breed your favorite variety, use:
- dividing the bush;
- cuttings;
- seed method.
Dividing the bush is rarely used. As soon as the first shoots appear on it, it needs to be dug up and divided into parts. Then plant in pre-prepared holes.
Lobelia "Riviera" is cut from cuttings when it is necessary to completely preserve the parental characteristics. Plants that have overwintered in pots are used. The cuttings need to be cut in the spring, each about 8-10 cm long. It is necessary to place them in a solution of a root-forming preparation and plant them in separate containers.
Sexual propagation (by seeds) is the most common and simplest method for annual lobelia. The seedling method is recommended so that the plant has time to bloom in the same year.
Landing rules
Sowing should be done as early as possible. The optimal time is March.
Lobelia seedlings become very elongated when there is a lack of sunlight. Therefore, if it is not possible to provide additional light to the seedlings, then you should not sow too early. It is better to wait until the end of March and plant strong, healthy seedlings when the weather outside is warm.
The soil for sowing lobelia must be prepared from equal parts of sand, peat and turf soil. It is not recommended to add humus to prevent seedlings from being damaged by the “black leg”.
It is better to grow seedlings in peat tablets
Fill the containers with soil mixture, level the soil surface, and compact it a little. The flower seeds are so small that before sowing they need to be mixed with sand or use the “wet match” technique. Dip the end without sulfur in water, then apply to the Riviera seeds. If they stick, transfer them to a glass with minimal depth. Leave the seeds on the surface. You should not water it; it is better to place the container in a tray and add water little by little. Cover the container with film or glass, periodically opening the mini-greenhouse for ventilation.As soon as the Riviera seedlings hatch (7-10 days), the shelter can be removed. After germination, the seedlings must be planted in a bunch. Use a toothpick to pick up 5-7 pieces, place them in the grooves and sprinkle with soil. Water and place in partial shade for 2-3 days.
Growing Lobelia Riviera from seeds
Caring for seedlings consists of standard activities. It is necessary to carefully monitor soil moisture and lighting quality. Lobelia seedlings can rot if overwatered, and lack of light will cause them to stretch.
It is better to water the Riviera seedlings with a spray bottle, trying to take it away from the seedlings. This way they will be saved from lodging.
The picking period is not regulated. The task is to prevent lobelia seedlings from outgrowing. You need to dive several pieces into one cup, filling it halfway with soil, and then add soil as needed.
Every 14 days, feed the lobelia with a solution of mineral complex fertilizer.
An unusual item for seedlings is pruning. Elongated sprouts just need to be trimmed with scissors. Gardeners recommend giving the bush a neat shape at the same time.
7-10 days before planting, it is necessary to begin hardening off the Riviera seedlings by placing the container outside.
When the soil warms up well and stable heat is established, lobelia should be planted in open ground. Usually this period begins at the end of May.
It is recommended to choose partial shade with fertile, loose soil. The distance between the holes is 20 cm. Plant several sprouts in one hole.
Visually about growing lobelia seedlings:
How to care for Lobelia Riviera
If the gardener managed to grow healthy Riviera seedlings, then further caring for them will not require much effort.
The plant must be provided with:
- Dosed watering. The soil should not dry out, but stagnation of water is also not allowed. During hot periods, lobelia will have to be watered twice a day. Especially varieties that are planted in pots or containers.
- Feeding. The first time nutrition should be added a month after transplanting into the ground. Nitrogen components can cause increased growth, so you will have to combine fertilizing with pruning. If the soil is nutritious, then it is recommended to apply any substances in minimal doses. Lobelia responds best to mineral compositions for petunias.
- Pruning. It is enough to do minimal shortening to stimulate the formation of buds and maintain decorativeness. After the end of the first wave of flowering, you can cut the lobelia more radically, leaving 5 cm from the ground surface. Then the crop will bloom again.
The root system of a flower in a pot should be moistened frequently
How lobelia Riviera overwinters
To preserve an adult plant until next spring, you need to carefully transplant the bush with a lump of earth into a flower pot. Then cut the shoots to the lower leaves and place them indoors. A window sill, greenhouse or cool, bright room will do. During wintering, it is necessary to periodically moisten the substrate so that it does not dry out. Only lobelia planted in the ground in the spring can overwinter. In the south, wintering in the garden is practiced: the shoots need to be cut off, the plant should be covered with dry leaves, covering material, and soil.
Pests and diseases
Lobelia can be susceptible to bacterial and viral infections and pest attacks.
Most common problems:
- Fusarium wilt in which the plant dies.Pruning or cuttings should be carried out only with a sterile instrument.
- Stem rot - mold appears, then the shoot withers. The death of the bush occurs when the entire plant is infected. Gardeners should avoid foliar watering.
- Thrips are the main pests of lobelia. Their presence can be detected by small white spots on the foliage. Destruction requires treatment with insecticides.
Conclusion
Lobelia Riviera looks great in hanging flowerpots, in a rock garden or near a pond. The variety of varieties makes it possible to include it in any composition. Compliance with the basic rules of agricultural technology will allow gardeners to grow and propagate lobelia at home.
