Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria' – Majestic perennial with red flowers and dark foliage

Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria' is a spectacular, profusely flowering perennial that immediately draws attention with its bright red flowers and glossy reddish-brown to purple foliage. This striking combination makes 'Queen Victoria' an indispensable eye-catcher in any ornamental border, especially in modern, cottage, or prairie plantings.

A particular advantage of this variety is that it blooms the first year without a cold period (vernalization). This allows it to be introduced more quickly into borders and planting schemes, making it attractive to gardeners who want a quick and vigorous result.

Characteristics of Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria'

• Plant type: perennial, perennial Lobelia

• Height: 75–100 cm

• Leaf color: glossy dark red, red-brown or purple

• Flower colour: deep, bright scarlet shades

• Flowering period: July – September

• Special features: blooms in the first year without vernalization, vigorous growth

The majestic flower spikes are carried on sturdy stems that rise above the strikingly colored foliage. This creates a strong vertical accent that adds structure and dynamism to borders.

Strong growth and intense color

'Queen Victoria' is known for its strong, vigorous growth in spring and its intense flower color during summer. The plant produces numerous, lighthouse-like flower spikes that attract garden friends like bees and butterflies.

The deep red foliage provides decorative value throughout the growing season, meaning the plant remains attractive not only during flowering but also from early spring to late autumn.

Location and cultivation

This perennial lobelia thrives in moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. Although it needs moisture, it prefers a spot where the soil doesn't dry out, but also doesn't remain permanently wet.

• Location: full sun to partial shade

• Soil: moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral

• Water: likes even moisture

• Winter hardiness: fairly winter hardy, but protect from too much moisture in wet winters

'Queen Victoria' is very suitable for gardens with ponds or water features, where it thrives in moister soil.

Application in borders and flowerbeds

Thanks to its rich color and striking foliage, Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria' is ideal as a structure-former and color accent in:

• perennial borders

• flowerbeds and mixed plantings

• prairie and nature gardens

• moist areas near ponds

• cut flower gardens

The flowers are also suitable as cut flowers, where their bright colour really stands out in arrangements.

Combination tips

The deep leaf color combines beautifully with plants that contrast or complement it:

• Silver-leaved plants: Stachys byzantina, Artemisia

• Ornamental grasses: Panicum, Pennisetum

• Perennials: Helenium, Rudbeckia, Salvia nemorosa

• Other reds: Crocosmia, Monarda, Penstemon

This creates an attractive, dynamic border with strong colours and a long-lasting autumnal attraction.

Why choose Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria'?

• Blooms in the first year without cold treatment

• Strong and healthy growth

• Striking red flowers and dark red glossy leaves

• Beautiful contrast in borders

• Attracts bees and butterflies

• Also suitable as a cut flower

• Perfect for beds, borders and areas with moist soil

With its majestic appearance, long-lasting decorative value and striking colour contrasts, Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria' is a true queen among perennials.