Lobelia × speciosa

RHS Plant Profile
cardinal flower hybrid
cardinal flower hybrid RHS

Synonyms

Lobelia × gerardii

Annual Biennial Bedding Herbaceous Perennial

Are clump-forming perennials, often grown as annuals or biennials, with basal rosettes of pale to dark green, bronzy, red-flushed or dark red foliage. In summer and early autumn they produce dense, upright spires of two-lipped, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple or blue

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Campanulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eatenskin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Lobelia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and showy 2-lipped flowers that may be solitary or in racemes or panicles
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
NE North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks until mid-summer and a low nitrogen fertilizer from then on

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in late winter, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free