Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'

Lobelia 'Queen Victoria': Crimson Spires and Regal Foliage

Dramatic and statuesque, Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' reigns in the late-summer garden with vivid scarlet-red flower spikes held above deep burgundy foliage. Its striking colour contrast and upright form make it a natural focal point in moist, sunny plantings or at the edges of ponds and rain gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm, upright and narrow
• Flower Colour: Scarlet red
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Deep burgundy to purple-bronze, lance-shaped leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; does best with consistent moisture

Uses and Benefits: Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' is a standout in rain gardens, wet borders, or sun-dappled meadows, where it brings bold vertical interest and vibrant colour at a time when many perennials are winding down. Its dark foliage adds season-long depth, while its late blooms feed hummingbirds and pollinators. Excellent for contemporary or cottage-style designs that crave strong contrast and colour in moist conditions.

Companion Plants: Pair Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' with Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red' for a hot-toned, pollinator-friendly duo. Add Hemerocallis 'Chicago Apache' for deep red, sun-loving blooms that echo the lobelia’s vibrancy. Soften the base with Schizachyrium scoparium, a native ornamental grass whose fine texture and autumnal hues provide movement and seasonal harmony.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or part shade with moist, rich soil. Keep soil consistently damp, especially during summer heat. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a tidy habit. Divide every 2–3 years in spring to rejuvenate clumps and improve flowering performance. Mulch to retain moisture and insulate roots.

History: Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' is a cultivated selection of the North American native Lobelia cardinalis, prized for its intensified red blooms and dramatic burgundy foliage. It has become a garden classic for its late-summer impact and striking colour contrast.

Final Thoughts: Bold, beautiful, and hummingbird-approved, Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' brings regal flair and vivid colour to sunny garden edges—an essential choice for gardeners who love rich tones and wildlife appeal.