Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’ is a specific cultivar celebrated for its striking aesthetic qualities. This perennial plant produces abundant spires of rose-pink flowers that can reach heights of up to 36 inches, creating a vertical accent in garden spaces. Its blooms, which can appear from mid-summer through fall, attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, adding dynamic beauty to the landscape. The vibrant flowers are complemented by burgundy-green or dark green foliage, making ‘Monet Moment’ a popular choice for gardeners seeking both color and texture.
Caring for Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’
Light Requirements
Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can protect the plant from intense heat. Adequate light exposure is important for robust growth and prolific flowering.
Watering Needs
Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’ requires consistent moisture. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate occasionally wet conditions. However, well-drained soil is beneficial to prevent waterlogging. Signs of insufficient water include wilting, stunted growth, or browning foliage.
Soil Preferences
Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’ adapts well to various soil types, including sandy or clay, provided they are well-drained. It prefers deep, fertile soil with a pH that can range from acidic to neutral or even alkaline. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, improves soil structure and fertility.
Fertilization
Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’ benefits from regular feeding during its active growing and blooming periods. Amending the soil with compost at planting provides slow-release nutrients. After planting, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 NPK ratio, every two to four weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage foliage growth over flowers.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular pruning and deadheading promote continuous blooming and maintain the plant’s vigor. Removing spent flower spikes encourages new blooms. If the plant becomes leggy or tired during mid-summer, cutting back stems by about half stimulates new, bushier growth and a fresh flush of flowers.
Planting and Design Tips
Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’ is a versatile plant. It can be planted as an accent in perennial borders, adding vertical interest with its upright, spiky blooms. Its tolerance for moist conditions makes it suitable for rain gardens or near ponds and streams. For optimal growth, space plants 12 to 15 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and spread.
This lobelia cultivar also performs well in containers and hanging baskets, where its vibrant blooms can spill over the edges. When designing with ‘Monet Moment’, pair it with other plants that thrive in similar moist conditions and sun exposure. Complementary plants can enhance the visual appeal of the garden. Its rich pink color combines well with other rosy blooms.
Common Issues and Solutions
Gardeners may encounter a few issues with Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’. Slugs can be a pest concern. Monitoring plants for their presence and using appropriate control methods can help manage slugs. Crown rot, indicated by yellowing lower leaves and wilting, can occur in overly wet conditions. Ensuring good drainage and avoiding excessive watering prevents this fungal disease.
Leaf spots, caused by fungi, may appear as sharply defined areas on leaves. These are favored by wet conditions and can be managed by removing infected plant debris and ensuring good air circulation. Consistent care practices, including proper watering and light, help prevent many common plant stressors.
Winter Care
Lobelia ‘Monet Moment’ is a hardy perennial in USDA Zones 4 through 9. In colder regions, applying a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the plant’s base in the fall protects the crown during winter. Some gardeners in cooler climates may treat it as an annual due to its sensitivity to harsh winter conditions.
Leaving foliage on the plant until spring protects the root system. For container-grown plants, moving them to a sheltered location, such as an unheated garage, helps them survive winter. Perennial lobelia goes dormant in winter, requiring minimal watering if planted in the ground, as rain or snow provides moisture.