Lobelia speciosa F₁ Fan® Scarlet – Compact, richly flowering perennial with bright scarlet ears

Lobelia speciosa F₁ Fan® Scarlet is a modern, robust, and profusely flowering perennial from the well-known Fan Series, beloved for its compact growth, striking bronze leaves, and vibrant scarlet flowers. Thanks to advanced F₁ hybrid breeding, this Lobelia guarantees uniformity, vigor, and an exceptionally long flowering period.

As a FastraX perennial, Fan® Scarlet flowers in the first year without a cold period (vernalization) – a great advantage for both professional cultivation and the hobby gardener who wants to quickly bring colour to the garden.

Characteristics of Lobelia speciosa F₁ Fan® Scarlet

• Plant type: perennial (F₁ hybrid)

• Height: 60–80 cm

• Leaf color: bronze to reddish brown

• Flower colour: intense scarlet red

• Flower shape: dense, upright ears

• Flowering period: summer to autumn

• Special features: blooms the first year without vernalization (FastraX)

• Location: sun to partial shade

• Soil: moist, humus-rich

Bright scarlet flowers on sturdy, upright spikes

Fan® Scarlet is known for its exceptionally bright, scarlet flower spikes that tower above the compact, bronze foliage. The flowers are densely packed, giving the spikes a full, vibrant color. Its vigorous, upward growth makes this Lobelia a striking eye-catcher in any border.

Since plants in the Fan Series are earlier maturing than the species, flowering begins early in summer and continues well into autumn.

Compact, uniform and vigorously branched

This variety forms a sturdy, compact plant with natural branching at the base, resulting in multiple flower stems per plant and a longer flowering period. The bronze foliage adds to its ornamental value, both before and during flowering.

Its uniform growth makes Fan® Scarlet ideal for professional cultivation, but also perfectly suited for borders, flowerbeds and large pots in private gardens.

Excellent choice for damp locations

Like other Lobelia species, this hybrid prefers moist, nutrient-rich soil. It performs exceptionally well:

• along ponds and water features

• in damp borders

• in semi-shady places

• in humus-rich soil that remains evenly moist

Drought is less well tolerated, so regular watering is important, especially during hot summers.

Attractive to insects and beneficials

The dense spikes with numerous flowers attract many bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. This means Fan® Scarlet contributes to biodiversity and provides a valuable nectar source during the summer months.

Care and cultivation

• Soil: moist, humus-rich, well-drained

• Location: sun or light partial shade

• Water: do not let it dry out

• Maintenance: remove spent flowers for longer flowering

• Winter: usually hardy in the open ground, but cover in case of severe frost.

Thanks to its F₁ hybrid genetics, Fan® Scarlet is very reliable in growth and uniformity.

Application in garden and landscape

Lobelia speciosa F₁ Fan® Scarlet provides structure and colour to:

• classic and modern perennial borders

• moist planting areas

• pond edges

• natural gardens with many insects

• large pots and containers

• combinations with ornamental grasses or background plants

The scarlet spikes combine beautifully with purple, white or yellow flowering plants such as Salvia , Helenium , Leucanthemum and Crocosmia .

Why choose Lobelia speciosa F₁ Fan® Scarlet?

• FastraX: blooms in the first year without a cold period

• Striking scarlet flowers on sturdy, upright spikes

• Compact growth with strong bronze leaves

• Perfect for damp locations and borders

• Reliable F₁ hybrid quality

• Long lasting flowering from summer to autumn

• Attractive to bees and butterflies