Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria'
Lobelia splendens 'Queen Victoria'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
30 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' is a clump-forming, upright perennial prized for its brilliant scarlet-red flower spikes and deep bronze-to-maroon foliage. This cultivar stands out for its dramatic combination of intense red flowers and dark foliage, providing a strong vertical accent in moist garden beds and near water features.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during blooming season.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Pinch back early to promote bushier growth.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous bloom.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use rich, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead flowers for continuous blooms
- Provide full sun for best flowering
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let plants dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, clay soil that retains too much water
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' questions
What zones can Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' grow in?
Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria', especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' bloom?
Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' need full sun?
Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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Cardinal Flower Deep Rose
Lobelia cardinalis 'Deep Rose'
Cardinal Flower 'Black Truffle'
Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
