Lobelia (Lobelia 'La Fresco')
Lobelia 'La Fresco' is a showy, low-maintenance perennial boasting plum-purple blooms from August to September. Ideal for wet areas.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ is a stunning herbaceous perennial celebrated for its late-season color display where other plants may fade. This hybrid cross between Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica offers dense, upright racemes of intensely colored plum-purple flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Its vigorous, clump-forming habit allows it to provide vertical interest in moist garden settings.
This variety of Lobelia thrives when provided with consistent moisture, mimicking its native habitat in wet meadows and along streams. Despite its need for wet soil, Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ is remarkably adaptable, performing well even in average garden soils provided they do not fully dry out during the summer heat. Gardeners appreciate its low maintenance needs and its ability to bridge the gap between midsummer and fall bloom times.
Reaching heights up to 2.5 feet, Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ brings necessary structure and color intensity to wetter parts of the landscape. Its presence ensures garden interest late into the season, solidifying its role as a powerhouse perennial for moisture-retentive niches.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Campanulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Plum-purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ in spring after the danger of frost has passed. The location must receive rich soil that maintains consistent moisture—never letting it fully dry out. While it handles full sun well in cooler northern climates, gardeners in hotter regions should ensure afternoon shade, especially when planted in the lower Midwest or South.
Watering is key for this Lobelia. It requires medium to wet conditions, mirroring the bogs and streamsides where wild lobelias naturally occur. Do not attempt to let the soil dry out between waterings if you wish to maintain vigorous blooming throughout August and September. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if planted in rich, amended soil.
Maintenance for Lobelia is considered low. The main cultural practice involves dividing mature clumps in the spring. In climates experiencing hard freezes, such as those around St. Louis or colder, be sure to apply root mulch in winter. This step is vital to protect the root system and mitigate damage from winter root heaving.
Landscape Uses
Lobelia varieties excel where water collects or where soil moisture is reliable. Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ is highly effective when situated in wet meadows, along the edges of ponds or streams, or integrated into woodland gardens that receive consistent dappled moisture. Its vertical lines and deep purple flowers provide essential late-season contrast.
Use this perennial to add unexpected height and bold color to the back or middle of perennial borders, provided the soil is kept uniformly moist. Groupings of Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ create a dramatic sweep of color that draws in pollinators. They pair beautifully with moisture-loving companions like cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis itself), Joe Pye Weed, or various ornamental water irises.
Consider this plant for rain gardens, as its requirement for wet feet makes it perfectly suited for areas receiving runoff. The consistent bloom period extends the garden’s aesthetic appeal well into early autumn.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lobelia is a genus comprising about 370 species found globally in tropical and temperate zones, with many originating from the Americas. The name honors the 16th-century botanist Matthias de l’Obel. ‘La Fresco’ is a specific hybrid notable for its 24-30 inch tall flower stems bearing terminal racemes of tubular, plum-purple flowers highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ is generally a problem-free perennial concerning serious insect pests or diseases, making it a reliable choice. The primary soft-bodied threats are common garden nuisances: snails and slugs. These pests are attracted to the tender foliage, especially when the plant is young or when conditions are damp and cool.
Management should focus on physical or organic controls. Check the undersides of leaves early in the morning or evening for signs of slime trails or ragged holes in the foliage. Applying diatomaceous earth around the base during dry spells or setting out commercial baits or shallow beer traps can effectively control slugs and snails, preserving the attractive look of the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lobelia suitable for?
Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ is reliably cold-hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
When does Lobelia bloom?
This perennial provides excellent late-season impact, displaying clouds of plum-purple flowers primarily from August into September.
How large does Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ grow?
This clump-forming plant typically matures to a height between 2 and 2.5 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Lobelia need?
It prefers full sun, though gardeners, particularly in hotter climates, should provide protection with part shade, especially during intense summer afternoons.
Conclusion
Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ is a valuable addition for any gardener seeking vibrant, late-season color and reliability in moist locales. Its showy plum-purple flowers and surprisingly low maintenance ensure season-long satisfaction. Before planting, verify your site offers the consistent moisture that this superb Lobelia cultivar requires to flourish.
Companion Planting
When designing a habitat for Lobelia ‘La Fresco’, look for companions that share its love for consistently moist, rich soils. Tall, structural plants like Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye Weed) or Gillenia trifoliata provide excellent vertical contrast without competing heavily for sunlight, especially if the Lobelia is situated in a slightly shadier spot.
If planting near water bodies, consider moisture-loving ferns like Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) or moisture-tolerant sedges (Carex species). These companions enhance the bog-like aesthetic while their different foliage textures keep the scene interesting even when the Lobelia is not in full bloom.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular, two-lipped flowers of Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ are perfectly structured to cater to hummingbirds, which are primary pollinators for many Lobelia species. Planting this variety significantly boosts late-season nectar availability when many other nectar sources are declining.
Furthermore, the dense flower spikes attract various butterfly species seeking energy for migration or reproduction. By planting Lobelia ‘La Fresco’ in masses, you ensure a reliable patch of resources for these flying visitors, enhancing the overall biodiversity of your garden space.
