In its native South Africa, the lobelia grows as a perennial plant. However, it does not tolerate frost. In our latitudes, it cannot hibernate outside, not even with winter protection. Therefore, men's loyalty is often sold as an annual summer flower.
Male loyalty is actually perennial, but not hardy
For this reason, most breeds are not designed to last long and it is quite possible that the blue lobelia will not survive the winter. Plants that have finished flowering are usually disposed of after flowering. You can sow again next spring. This is much less time-consuming than overwintering the old plants.
How do you maintain men's loyalty in winter?
If you would like to start an attempt to hibernate your men's faithful, then it is best to choose potted plants for this. The blue lobelia may survive the first frosty nights outside, but then it should be placed in a bright and cool, but frost-free place. Living rooms are not very suitable for overwintering, a cold greenhouse with temperatures of 5 - 10 °C would be ideal.
During the winter you can do without fertilizing your male beetle, it only needs the additional nutrients in the spring when it sprout. However, you should water it regularly, but only a little at a time. The soil should neither dry out nor be waterlogged. Both can lead to your loyalty to men.
Alternative to hibernation
If you shy away from the work involved in overwintering your manly faithful, then you also have the choice of buying new plants next year or growing your own plants during the winter. Sowing in warm weather is possible from January. From May you can plant the lobelia, which have grown vigorously by then, on the balcony or in the garden.
The best tips for being loyal to men in winter:
- tolerates practically no frost at all
- Overwintering in a cold greenhouse is possible
- hibernate cool and bright
- pour little
- don't let it dry out
- Avoid waterlogging
- Reseeding easier than overwintering
- Sowing possible in warm weather from January
- do not plant out plants that have been brought forward until May
tips and tricks
Embark on the adventure and hibernate your male loyalty, then you may be able to look forward to an early and lush flowering.