Perennial – Cardinal Flower ‘Queen Victoria’

Cardinal Flower ‘Queen Victoria’

Botanical name: lobelia cardinalis ‘queen victoria’ 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: 3 ft in height with a 1-2 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-10 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Foliage color: green, purple 

Flower color: red

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: deadhead withered blooms and foliage as needed 

Propagation methods: propagate by seed sowing 

Landscape use: groundcover, flower garden, container plant 

Special features: disease resistant, heat tolerant, fragrant

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow release fertilizer once a year in the early spring as dormancy comes to an end 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  clay, loam 

Companion plants: bee balm, red hot poker, wild iris 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no