How to Grow Lobelia Mrs Clibran
Lobelia Mrs Clibran
Lobelia erinus 'Mrs Clibran'
flowerMrs Clibran is a compact, trailing variety of edging lobelia featuring deep blue flowers with distinctive white eyes and centers. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual and is prized for its profuse blooming and cascading habit, making it ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and border edging. It creates a charming contrast with its vibrant blue petals accented by crisp white markings.
When should you plant Lobelia Mrs Clibran in your zone?
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Example Lobelia Mrs Clibran timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lobelia Mrs Clibran
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lobelia Mrs Clibran blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lobelia Mrs Clibran dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11
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Seed Germination
7-14 daysTiny seeds remain on soil surface as they require light exposure to sprout. First cotyledons emerge within 7-14 days.
Keep soil consistently moist and at 65-70°F. Provide bright, indirect light. Do not cover seeds. High humidity helps germination.
Seedling
3-4 weeksDelicate seedlings develop their first true leaves. Plants are small and fragile with minimal stem growth.
Maintain bright light (12-16 hours daily under grow lights). Keep soil moist. Provide air circulation to prevent damping off. Fertilize weakly every 2 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop bushy foliage and trailing stems. Leaves are small and narrow, creating a dense mound of green growth.
Pinch growing tips at 2-3 inches to encourage bushiness and branching. Maintain consistent moisture. Begin fertilizing weekly with balanced or slightly high-phosphorus fertilizer. Gradually acclimate to outdoor light.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostAbundant small blue flowers with white centers appear along trailing stems. Flowers are delicate and five-petaled.
Maintain consistent watering and moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced or slightly higher potassium formula. Provide afternoon shade in very hot climates.
Decline/End of Season
Variable; until frost or heat stressFlowering slows as temperatures drop or heat becomes excessive. Plants may become leggy or sparse.
In mild climates, cut back plants by half to rejuvenate. In frost-prone areas, prepare for frost protection or end-of-season composting. Reduce watering and fertilizing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Use strong water spray to dislodge. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Remove by hand, especially in evening. Create barriers with copper tape. Use slug baits if necessary. Keep area mulch-free.
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Increase humidity with misting. Spray with water forcefully. Apply neem oil or miticide if infestation is severe. Isolate affected plants.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if necessary. Remove affected leaves. Reduce humidity if possible.
Uses
Container and hanging basket displays
HouseholdMrs Clibran's trailing habit makes it exceptional for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens. The cascading stems create waterfall-like displays of blue and white flowers. [source]
Border and edging
HouseholdThe compact mounding growth habit suits bed borders and edging along pathways, providing a delicate blue border to gardens. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeLobelia flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, providing nectar sources throughout the growing season. [source]
Fresh flower arrangements
CraftDelicate stems with small flowers add texture and color to small posy or mixed flower arrangements, though they have limited vase life. [source]
Harvest Tips
Lobelia Mrs Clibran is not harvested for food but rather enjoyed for continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Deadhead (pinch off) spent flowers regularly to encourage prolific flowering. Cut stems can be used in fresh flower arrangements, though they are delicate and have a short vase life of 3-5 days. Pinching back stems every 4-6 weeks promotes bushier growth and more abundant flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lobelia flowers can change intensity of their blue color depending on soil pH; slightly acidic soil may produce more vibrant blues.
- 🌱 The white eye pattern on Mrs Clibran flowers serves as a 'landing strip' for pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, guiding them to nectar.
- 🌱 Despite being a tender annual in most climates, lobelia is actually a perennial in zones 9-11 and can self-seed in ideal conditions, returning year after year.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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