Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria , cardinal 200 seeds

Lobelia x cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'

Cardinal Flower, Blood Red Dragons Tongues

Packet containing 10mg

Average contents 200 seeds.

Hardy Perennial (Can also be grown as an annual)

Flower Colour:             Crimson-scarlet

Foliage:                       Deep maroon-bronze foliage.

Blooms:                       July to August. August to October

Height:                         60-90cm (24-36in)

Spacing:                      60-75cm (24-30in)

Position:                      Full sun, Partial shade.

Soil:                            Rich, deep, fertile, moist soil

‘Queen Victoria’ is a much sought-after perennial lobelia which is grown for both its wonderful foliage and brilliant flowers.

This stately, upright plant bears stunning spikes of crimson-scarlet, five-petaled flowers which rise up in late summer among the beautiful, maroon-bronze coloured foliage.

This wonderful, award winning flower brings a splash of vibrant colour to the garden just as many perennials are fading. It is excellent for filling gaps left by early-flowering perennials in a mixed or herbaceous border and suits a planting scheme based on 'hot' colours.

They are superb in containers, and are a regal addition to borders. This plant loves water and does especially well at the edge of a pond or stream. Along with red forms of Monarda (bee balm) this plant is a must if you want to birds and bees.

Although the plant itself is quite unlike bedding lobelia in appearance, the individual flowers have a similar shape, but are much larger. Since they bloom the first year they can also be grown as an annual when started early.

Awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Sowing                        Sow in late winter to spring (Jan to March) or in spring to late summer (May to July)

Sow in late winter to spring (Jan to March) for flowering in the same year (since they bloom the first year they can be grown as an annual), or sow in spring to late summer (May to July) to over winter frost free for blooms the following year.

Sow at temperatures of around 20°C (71°F). Sow on the surface of moistened compost (use John Innes Seed Compost or similar). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination. Use a propagator or seal in a polythene bag until after germination. Make sure that the compost is kept moist but not wet. Germination in less than 2 weeks

Growing: 

Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into 7cm (3in) pots after about 3 weeks grow on. Acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost. Space the plants 30cm (12in) apart in rich moist soil, preferably in a sheltered spot in part shade.

Cultivation:

Divide large clumps of plants every second year in spring, February to April.

In very cold areas, it is recommended to mulch plants in winter to prevent frost damage and help the soil around them retain moisture. Protect the crown of the plant by using a thick, dry mulch, such as straw.

Propagation:

Although the plant is considered a perennial any one plant may only live 7 to 10 years and then die, especially in dry soils, it is easily propagated by stem cuttings or by dividing and spreading out the young plants which self sow around the older mature plants each year. To take cuttings, after they are finished blooming, cut the stems into pieces with 2 or 3 nodes and insert them in rich, moist soil. Stems will also root out in a glass of water. By replanting stems each year you can maintain a good colony in your garden, or let the seedlings spread around for a natural colony.

Cut Flowers: 

Cut flower stems can be harvested, when the flower show colour. Put the stems in warm water immediately. The fresh flowers last well in bouquets.

Plant Uses: 

Cottage/Informal Gardens, Flower Arranging, Borders. Butterflies and Bees. Bog garden or pond marginal plant. Plant lobelias in the moist garden with sweet flag grass (Acorus), Ligularia, Rodgersia, daylilies, moisture loving iris, spiderwort (Tradescantia), ferns, and astilbe.

Nomenclature:

Lobelia cardinalis is a species of Lobelia native to the Americas. It was named after the Flemish botanist, Matthias de L'Obel (1538-1616). It is a member of the Bluebell Family Campanulaceae.

As a member of the genus Lobelia, it is considered to be potentially toxic. It has been known to cause an upset in the digestive system when consumed.

We hold both annual and perennial varieties of Lobelia in stock.