Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria
Cardinal Flower
“Queen Victoria” is a stunning herbaceous perennial featuring both colourful foliage and flowers. It has upright stems carrying dark purple foliage. Spikes of stunning, scarlet red flowers are borne at the ends of stems in summer. The display is dazzling and attracts both birds and butterflies. It typically grows to 75 cm tall and 40 cm wide, growing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained, sheltered site. It does not like dry periods and will grow well on heavy soils. Frost may cause the plant to die back over winter but it will regrow in spring, though heavy frost areas should be avoided. “Queen Victoria” is great for providing vibrant colour and using to contrast with other plant colours. It is commonly included in a mixed or border planting, mass planted for an impressive display, or planted around outdoor living areas. The stems are often used in floral arrangements.
