Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'

Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria': A Regal Display of Crimson Majesty

Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria', a cultivar of the esteemed Cardinal Flower, unfolds in the garden with a regal display of crimson majesty, its spikes of deep, velvety red flowers rising elegantly above striking bronze-maroon foliage. Celebrated for its dramatic color contrast, architectural height, and magnetic allure to pollinators, 'Queen Victoria' is a distinguished selection for those looking to add a touch of royal splendor, ecological richness, and captivating beauty to their garden sanctuaries. Perfect for creating a focal point in rain gardens, enhancing the borders of ponds and streams with its stately presence, or adding a dramatic flair to shaded garden compositions, 'Queen Victoria' invites admiration and a sense of noble elegance to any outdoor setting, marking itself as a standout choice for its aesthetic appeal and affinity for moist environments.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: 'Queen Victoria' commands attention with its statuesque height of 90-120 cm, its richly colored blooms perched atop slender stems, offering a commanding vertical element that draws the eye and captivates the senses.
• Spread: With a spread of approximately 30-45 cm, it forms clumps of lance-shaped, bronze-maroon leaves that provide a striking contrast to the vibrant red flowers, ensuring a display of lush beauty and stark contrast.
• Flower Colour: The blooms of 'Queen Victoria' are a deep, velvety red, each spike adorned with tubular flowers that beckon to hummingbirds and butterflies, mesmerizing onlookers with their intense hue and graceful form.
• Flowering Period: Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, 'Queen Victoria' brings a late-season flourish of color to the garden, offering a lasting spectacle of regal beauty and natural allure when many other plants begin to recede.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thriving in partial shade to full sun, 'Queen Victoria' reveals its full splendor with a bit of protection from the hottest midday sun, especially in environments close to water, where its blooms and foliage glow with a brilliant, dramatic quality.
• Soil Requirements: Adaptable to a range of soil conditions, it shows a particular affinity for moist, well-drained soils, flourishing in the damp conditions of its native waterside and woodland habitats, highlighting its hardy and adaptable nature.

Uses and Benefits: Beyond its ornamental elegance, 'Queen Victoria' serves as a vital nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing the garden's biodiversity and ecological value. Its stunning appearance and preference for moist environments make it an outstanding choice for adding visual interest and supporting wildlife in water-rich garden designs and shaded areas.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Queen Victoria' with plants that offer contrasting colors or complementary textures, such as the soft blues of Siberian Iris, the lush greens of Ferns, or the delicate whites of Japanese Anemones. These companions help to spotlight the majestic blooms and foliage of 'Queen Victoria', creating a garden scene that is rich in texture, color, and regal harmony.

Care Instructions: Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' flourishes with minimal care, thriving with regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture, an application of balanced fertilizer in early spring, and mulching to preserve soil moisture and temperature. Its preference for moist, fertile environments and tolerance for partial shade make it a resilient and captivating addition to any garden.

History: 'Queen Victoria' is celebrated for its captivating beauty, dramatic foliage, and adaptability to moist environments, offering gardeners a distinctive and visually striking option for adding a touch of royal elegance and vibrant color to their garden spaces.

Final Thoughts: Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' stands as a regal display of crimson majesty, offering a spectacle of velvety red blooms and bronze-maroon foliage that enriches the garden with its noble beauty and ecological appeal. Its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, combined with its striking appearance and ease of care, makes it a splendid addition to any garden seeking to embrace the vibrant energy and serene beauty of waterside and shaded landscapes. Whether gracing the margins of a water feature, accentuating a shaded border, or featured in a rain garden, 'Queen Victoria' promises to inspire and enchant, bringing a touch of dramatic color and regal elegance to the tranquil beauty of garden settings.