The lobelia queen victoria cardinal flower is known for its strikingly beautiful bright red blooms. It’s easy to see why this plant has become a favorite in so many gardens: its name sounds royal, and it looks beautiful. This article will tell you everything you need to know to grow and take care of lobelia queen victoria.
An Overview of Lobelia Queen Victoria
Lobelia queen victoria is a perennial variety of lobelia cardinalis, which is also known as the cardinal flower. It has tall spikes of bright red tubular flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall. The flowers are shaped like a book, with three large lower lobes and two smaller upper lobes.
This variety was named for the famous Queen Victoria of England. It has better vigor and flowers that last longer than the straight species. Mature plants grow to be 2 to 4 feet tall and 1.5 to 2 feet wide. The dark green leaves look great with the bright red flowers.
Growing Conditions for Lobelia Queen Victoria
Lobelia queen victoria does best in moist soil and bright to partly sunny spots. Soils should never dry out because they need water all the time. If you grow it near a stream or pond, it can handle short flooding. Even though the soil likes steady moisture, it needs to be able to drain well to keep it from rotting.
These plants are best suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. They can be grown as far north as Zone 3 with heavy mulching over winter. Mulch also helps maintain soil moisture during summer.
Queen victoria lobelia grows well in rain gardens, stream banks, pond edges, and wet meadows. It also adds late season color to perennial borders if irrigation is provided.
How to Plant and Care for Lobelia Queen Victoria
Lobelia queen victoria can be planted in spring or fall. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in moist, organically rich soil. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and water the new transplants regularly until established.
These plants require minimal care when grown in their preferred environment. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water during dry periods to keep the soil consistently damp but not saturated.
Stake the flower spikes if needed to prevent flopping. Prune spent flower stems down to the foliage after bloom. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years in early spring as new growth emerges.
Common Pests and Problems
Lobelia queen victoria is relatively pest and disease resistant when conditions are optimal. Potential problems to watch for include:
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Slugs and snails – These may chew holes in the foliage, especially in damp areas. Remove them by hand or use iron phosphate bait.
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Powdery mildew – This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
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Root rot – Excess moisture can lead to rotted roots. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
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Frost damage – Mulch heavily each winter to protect the roots and crown.
Tips for Growing Lobelia Queen Victoria
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of lobelia queen victoria in your garden:
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Pinch back tips early in the season to encourage bushier growth. This will lead to more flower spikes.
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Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering into fall.
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Plant in groups of 3-5 for maximum impact. The red flowers really stand out against the green foliage.
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Combine with blue or purple flowers like monkshood or Russian sage for a patriotic red, white, and blue theme.
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Attract hummingbirds and butterflies by planting lobelia in borders or containers near seating areas.
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Grow in pond margins or water features for bright color reflecting in the water.
The Striking Beauty of Lobelia Queen Victoria
With its towering spikes of ruby-red blooms on deep green foliage, it’s easy to see why lobelia queen victoria is such a treasured addition to gardens. This low-maintenance perennial thrives with minimal care, providing vibrant late season color year after year. For those seeking beautiful, moisture-loving flowers, look no further than the cardinal-like blooms of lobelia queen victoria.
Soil
The cardinal flower loves rich, moist-to-wet soil that often causes other plants to collapse with rot, but it struggles in dry, barren soils. To help retain soil moisture, try adding a layer of mulch around your plants. Amending soil with heavy amounts of compost can also improve soil moisture levels.
How to Get Cardinal Flower to Bloom
Cardinal flower blooms from July into early fall. They usually flower in the first year.
Complete Guide To The Cardinal Flower, Lobelia Cardinalis
FAQ
Does Lobelia Queen Victoria spread?
Shocking red flowers in profusion adorn this red-bronze foliaged Lobelia. Blooms all summer; a hummingbird’s delight. To 3-5 ft tall spreading slowly to form a clump up to 2 ft wide.
Is Queen Victoria Lobelia sun or shade?
Will tolerate full sun in cool, northern climates, but otherwise appreciates part shade. Root mulch should be applied in cold winter climates to protect the root system and to prevent root heaving. Mulch will also help retain soil moisture.
Does Lobelia cardinalis spread?
Lobelia cardinalis, or Cardinal Flower, spreads primarily through self-seeding rather than by spreading roots. It’s considered a short-lived perennial, meaning individual plants may only live for a few years.
Do Lobelia flowers like sun or shade?
Lobelia perenniale do best in full sun or partial shade, and they need average to wet soil with a slightly acidic pH. They do best in the South. While plants are short-lived, self-seeding can be encouraged.