Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria

Half-hardy Herbaceous Perennial

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders, Cottage Gardens
• Height : 36 inches

Description

Tall spikes of deep maroon foliage topped by luminous scarlet blooms. An excellent plant giving extra impact to the border. Not reliably hardy and best given protection each winter. Flowers summer. Height 36in.

Sowing Instructions

Sow on the surface of the compost in early spring in John Innes Seed Compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 15-20 days at 16-18C (61-64). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in rich moist soil, preferably in a sheltered spot in part shade.

Aftercare

Lift the plants in early autumn and overwinter in a coldframe or provide some frost protection in the form of a cloche, thick mulch etc.

Caution

Harmful if eaten