Männertreu is ideal for planting in balcony boxes. It can be combined very well with other plants and its blue to purple flowers will delight you from June to October if you take good care of it.
How do I maintain men's loy alty in the balcony box?
Männertreu, also called blue lobelia, thrives in the balcony box from June to October. For optimal growth, it should be sunny and warm, watered abundantly, but waterlogging should be avoided. Regular fertilization and suitable neighboring plants, such as petunias and geraniums, promote flowering.
How to plant faithful men in the balcony box
Männertreu grows to around 15 – 30 cm tall and therefore fits very well between taller plants. In addition to the classic blue male faithful, there are now also varieties in other colors, such as white, pink or red and also hanging versions. The blue lobelia can be combined very well with other plants tone-on-tone or in contrasting colors.
For a combination, choose plants with the same or at least similar needs. True to men likes it sunny and warm, but can also tolerate partial shade. However, it blooms more profusely in the sun. Regular fertilization and plenty of water, but not waterlogging, are also helpful. Possible neighbors include petunias and geraniums, but also the balloon flower or elecampane.
How to maintain men's loy alty on the balcony
Männertreu blooms quite profusely from June to October. Sometimes the flowers become a bit sparse beforehand. With a complete pruning you can encourage your plants to bloom a second time in autumn. The blue lobelia needs some liquid fertilizer about every two weeks (€14.00 on Amazon). On warm days it should be watered abundantly, perhaps even in the morning and evening.
You should definitely avoid waterlogging. To do this, create a good drainage layer made of old pottery shards or coarse gravel in the pot or balcony box. Alternatively, you can also use a box that allows excess water to drain away directly. To ensure that your newly purchased or freshly grown lobelias do not freeze, they may only be planted outside after the Ice Saints in May or left outside overnight.
The best tips for faithful men on the balcony:
- Plant as sunny and warm as possible
- water abundantly on warm days
- Avoid waterlogging at all costs
- possibly choose balcony box with overflow
- fertilize a little occasionally
Tips & Tricks
If the flowering slows down significantly during the summer, then cut the Mannestreu back by about a third. This will encourage it to bloom a second time well into autumn.
