Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'

Description and Characteristics

Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria', commonly known as Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria', is a dramatic and showy herbaceous perennial prized for its vivid scarlet-red flowers and striking deep burgundy to purplish-bronze foliage. A cultivar of the North American native Lobelia cardinalis, this variety offers exceptional colour contrast and architectural form, adding a vertical accent to late summer borders and damp planting areas.

Mature plants typically reach 75–90 cm in height with a spread of 30–45 cm, forming a clump of upright stems topped with intense red flower spikes that bloom from mid-summer through early autumn. The foliage maintains its bold, dark colour throughout the season, providing ornamental interest even when not in bloom.

• Upright habit with burgundy-bronze foliage and bright red flowers

• Flowers from July to September

• Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies

• Excellent for water’s edge, bog gardens, borders, and containers

• Hardy to approximately -10°C (USDA Zones 6–9) with winter protection

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' prefers moist, fertile conditions and benefits from consistent care. It is not drought-tolerant and performs best in partially shaded or lightly sunny locations with reliable moisture.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade

  • In hot summer climates, partial shade helps preserve foliage colour and flower quality

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil

  • Ideal for damp borders, stream edges, bog gardens, or areas that do not dry out

  • Will not tolerate prolonged drought or very dry soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season

  • Mulch heavily in spring to retain soil moisture

  • Water deeply during dry spells—especially important in containers or sandy soil

• Fertilisation:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring

  • In poorer soils, supplement with a liquid feed monthly during active growth

• Pruning and Deadheading:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming period

  • After flowering, cut back faded stems to base to tidy appearance

  • In early spring, remove dead growth to make way for new shoots

• Mulching and Winter Care:

  • Apply mulch in autumn to insulate roots and reduce freeze damage

  • In colder regions, protect crowns with dry mulch or compost over winter

  • Container-grown plants should be moved to a sheltered, frost-free position

Design Use, Companions, and Problem Solving

With its intense colour combination and moisture-loving habit, Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' is perfect for gardens that need height, texture, and vibrancy in late summer. It works well in both formal and naturalistic planting schemes.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for moist borders, pond or stream edges, cottage gardens, and bog gardens

  • Adds bold colour and height when planted in groups or drifts

  • Excellent for wildlife gardens due to its value to pollinators

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with astilbe, hosta, persicaria, ligularia, and ferns

  • Contrasts well with silver foliage (e.g., artemisia) or soft-textured ornamental grasses

  • Plant with other moisture lovers such as iris sibirica or candelabra primulas

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest-free but may attract slugs and snails when young

  • Watch for crown rot in poorly drained or waterlogged sites

  • Good airflow and proper spacing help prevent foliar fungal issues

• Container Growing:

  • Performs well in large pots with moisture-retentive compost

  • Avoid letting containers dry out; water daily in warm weather

  • Combine with foliage plants like heuchera or grass-like carex for contrast

• Wildlife Value:

  • Excellent nectar source for bees and butterflies

  • Particularly attractive to hummingbirds (where present)

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.