Lobelia fulgens Queen Victoria

Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' is a colourful plant that is not often seen in gardens. Its ancestor originates from the humid and mild climates of southeast USA, but is easier to grow. This beautiful lobelia blazes in late summer, adorned with almost black leaves and tall spikes of scarlet flowers. It is a short-lived perennial plant that will make a sensation near water features, in partially shaded flower beds, and in flowering pots. This moderately hardy plant will complement all the colours of autumn and will pair perfectly with grasses or small blue flowers.

Lobelia fulgens and L. cardinalis, are two closely related species that gave rise to the 'Queen Victoria' cultivar. They belong to the Campanulaceae family. The former is native to Mexico, while the latter is native to the wetlands of southeast USA (Missouri). Both are moderately hardy, especially if the soil is waterlogged in winter. However, during their entire period of growth and flowering, these plants appreciate very moist to wet soils.

In early spring, Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' develops rosettes of lanceolate, linear leaves, 15cm (6in) long, of a magnificent black-purple colour with metallic bronze reflections. Around July-August, brown stems rise, reaching a height of 60 to 80cm (24 to 32in). They are adorned with the same astonishingly dark foliage and will bear flower spikes until late in the season. These flowers, 2.5 to 4cm (1 to 2in) long, are a striking scarlet red and can be seen from afar. They are tubular, have 2 lips, and are arranged in light clusters 15 to 45cm (6 to 18in) long on slightly stiff stems.

It is a very interesting plant for its late and abundant flowering. Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' grows in full sun or partial shade, ideally on the edge of a water feature or in a flower bed with soil that will not dry out. Intense in colour, this perennial pairs perfectly with grasses such as Pennisetum, Stipa, and Carex. The white or pink-flowered Physostegia virginiana, which also enjoys the same moist environments, can accompany this lobelia near water features. In flower beds, this flamboyant lobelia goes well with blue asters and the fabulous autumn colours of Verbena hastata 'Pink Spire'. Create beautiful flowering pots with a perennial geranium with blue flowers and annual lobelias with tiny, incredible blue flowers (Lobelia 'Hot Blue', 'Royal Blue', 'Water Blue'). Growing in a pot means you can protect your Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' from severe frosts while keeping its planting substrate moist.