Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'

cardinal flower

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: deep, fertile, moist soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: August to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stunning spikes of scarlet, five-petalled flowers rise up in late summer among beautiful, beetroot-coloured foliage. This gorgeous cardinal flower brings a splash of vibrant colour to the garden just as many perennials are fading. It is excellent for filling gaps left by early-flowering perennials in a mixed or herbaceous border and suits a planting scheme based on 'hot' colours.
  
  
• Garden care: Divide large clumps of plants every second year in spring. Protect the crown of the plant during winter with a thick, dry mulch, such as straw.