The Beautiful Lobelia Queen Victoria Cardinal Flower

The lobelia queen victoria, also known as the cardinal flower, is an absolutely gorgeous plant that deserves a spot in any garden With its towering spikes of fiery red blooms, this plant makes a bold statement wherever it grows. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this eye-catching perennial and provide tips for growing and caring for lobelia cardinalis queen victoria

An Overview of Lobelia Queen Victoria

Lobelia cardinalis queen victoria is a cultivar or varietal of the species lobelia cardinalis which is native to North America. While the standard cardinal flower produces bright red blooms queen victoria has darker, richer crimson flowers that add drama to the garden.

This perennial grows to be about 24-36 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. The foliage forms a low clump of green leaves near the base, while the flower spikes shoot upward. Each stem is packed with dozens of tubular, two-lipped blooms arranged closely together.

When in full bloom, this lobelia variety makes a spectacular display from July through September. It attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden as well.

Growing Conditions for Lobelia Queen Victoria

Lobelia cardinalis queen victoria thrives in moist, rich soil and partial shade. It prefers consistent moisture, so it’s important to water during droughts. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, as intense afternoon sun can cause the foliage to scorch.

This plant does best in zones 3-9. It can tolerate the cold winters in zone 3, but will need some protection from winter winds. Mulching around the base in fall helps insulate the roots. In warmer zones like 8 and 9, it appreciates some shade from the intense summer sun.

Queen victoria lobelia prefers slightly acidic soil that is high in organic matter. Amending clay or sand soil with compost improves drainage and provides nutrients.

How to Plant Lobelia Cardinalis Queen Victoria

Lobelia queen victoria can be planted in spring or fall. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow good air circulation. The foliage forms a low clump, so interplanting with shorter annuals can help hide the spent foliage after bloom.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, backfilling with your amended native soil. Water thoroughly after planting to remove any air pockets.

Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be careful not to bury the crown of the plant with mulch.

Care and Maintenance Tips

With proper care, lobelia queen victoria can live for many years in the garden. Here are some tips for ongoing care:

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Mature plants are fairly drought tolerant, but appreciate supplemental water during very dry periods.

• Stake the flower spikes if needed to prevent flopping. The towering stems can bend with heavy blooms or wind.

• Prune spent flower spikes back to the foliage after bloom. This encourages re-bloom and prevents self-seeding.

• Mulch heavily around the base each fall. Remove mulch in spring to allow new growth to emerge.

• Divide large clumps every 2-3 years in spring to maintain vigor. Replant the divisions promptly.

• Watch for slugs, snails and aphids. Remove by hand or use organic treatments if pests are problematic.

How to Propagate Lobelia Queen Victoria

This lobelia variety propagates easily both by seed and division. To grow new plants from seed, collect and sow ripe seed in containers in fall. Maintain even moisture until germination. Transplant seedlings into the garden the following spring after the last frost.

The easiest propagation method is by division. Simply dig up an established clump in early spring and divide it into several pieces, being sure each division has some roots and growth buds. Replant the divisions and water well.

Designing With Lobelia Queen Victoria

With its towering height and eye-catching color, lobelia queen victoria makes a statement anywhere its planted. Here are some tips for incorporating it into garden designs:

• Use as a backdrop to shorter plants like asters, coneflowers and ornamental grasses.

• Include in mixed borders along with other summer-blooming perennials.

• Mass in groups of 3, 5 or 7 plants for maximum visual impact.

• Plant alongside gray foliage plants like artemisia to make the red blooms pop.

• Use it as a seasonal foliage screen or privacy border in front of walls or fences.

• Allow it to naturalize in moist, part-shade areas.

• Plant alongside ponds, streams or other water features.

Why Grow Lobelia Queen Victoria?

If you’re looking to add drama to your garden, lobelia queen victoria is a stunning choice. Here are just a few reasons to grow this eye-catching plant:

• Provides height and vertical interest to garden beds and borders.

• The rich crimson blooms attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

• Does well in shade gardens where brightly colored flowers are needed.

• Naturalizes easily for low maintenance color.

• Blooms for an extended period in summer.

• Adds a bold, tropical flair to garden designs.

• Tolerates heat and humidity well.

So if you have a spot for a tall, attention-grabbing perennial, consider lobelia queen victoria cardinal flower. With its towers of saturated red blooms, this plant delivers vibrant color impact to the garden. Give it the moist soil, partial shade and regular watering it needs, and this cardinal flower will thrive for years to come.