Thanks, that small bed in back was mostly intended for lobelia cardinalis only but I had extra black and blue and didnt know how they react in that low area that holds water but they seem to be doing ok. Eventually it will be all Lobelia . Queen victoria doesnt seem to be doing that well maybe when we get out of this heat wave.
My cardinal flower is now blooming. I left most of the self-seeding CFs in the garden because I was too lazy to pull them out, but now I'm glad because there will be a nice wall of vibrant red to replace the waning monarda.
Steve, you don't have to worry about the b&b being in a low spot when it doesn't rain all summer.
Steve,
Your garden is lovely, and the lobelias must be a real hummer magnet. Is Queen Victoria hardy for you? The dark leaves look striking against the red flowers.
For some reason the last time I tried QV it didnt return for me. So like I say I plan to have maybe all CF in that bed although the blue of b and b is a nice contrast there. Only problem is b and b wont return here but I will mulch it heavy and see what happens.
Actually the do use the CF but also the b and b, and the goldflame next to it.
Steve
Martinsville, In
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 35
This message has been edited by Stevenindy on Jul 22, 2012 6:42 PM
Beautiful photos and a very impressive hummer garden. I think that it is very helpful that you shared your July garden with the rest of us. The variety and selection of plants that you have is awesome. I know that the hummers approve.
I wish my children and grandchildren enjoyed watching the hummers as much as I do. They seem to be much too busy to slow down and enjoy the show.
I am like your son and Paula; I am very impressed with your cardinal flowers. My experience with them is very limited. I gave up on trying to grow them over ten years ago. The only kind that I could find locally looked a lot like the taller dark colored variety that you have growing behind the heavily blooming green stalks. I was wondering how you would rate Lobelia cardinalis as a hummer plant?
As much as I would like to, I will probably not be able to grow this plant in my area. An unidentified worm or larva is quickly hatched in large numbers on the plants. It seems that in just a few days the plants are all decimated to the point that they cannot survive. I wish I knew what the identity of the larva were and if there were any measures I could take to prevent the plants from being eaten. Hand picking the worms off does not work as it is too late if the larva are large enough to grasp and there are just too many of them. If there are any suggestions or advice, I would gladly welcome it.
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