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Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' | Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'

Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria' | Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'

Striking scarlet-red flowers atop dark burgundy stems and foliage, adding vibrant contrast to pond margins

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SAVE £10 when you buy 1ltr - Pack of 3

Regular price £15.00
Regular price Sale price £15.00
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Add a dramatic splash of colour to your pond margins with the Red Leaved Lobelia (Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria'). This striking perennial features brilliant red flowers that bloom from August to September, standing out against its purplish-red foliage and dark stems. Growing to a height of 80–100 cm, it brings vertical interest and vibrant contrast to your water garden.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this upright, clump-forming plant is ideal for pond margins, bog gardens, or damp borders. Beyond its visual appeal, the Red Leaved Lobelia is loved by pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

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    Plant essentials

    Key Characteristics:

    • Height 80cm to 100cm
    • Spread: up to 50cm
    • Growth Rate: Slow
    • Depth: 0cm to 15cm
    • Flower Colour: Vibrant red
    • Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
    • Foliage: Purplish-red leaves

    Additional Information:

    • Common Name: Cardinal Flower 'Queen Victoria'
    • Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
    • Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for boggy soils and pond margins
    • Flowering Period: August to September
    • Hardiness: Hardy in mild UK areas; tolerates -5°C to 1°C. (H3)
    • Supports Pollinators 🐝

    Dispatch Information:

    • Normally Available From: May

    Your Plant At Arrival

    Your marginal plant will arrive in a Finofil Aquatic Basket, pre-planted with aquatic soil and a slow-release fertiliser. Just pop straight into you pond upon arrival!

    Aquatic Basket Measurements:

    • 1ltr - Square pot (11cm wide by 11cm high)
    • 3ltr - Hexagonal pot (18cm wide x 16cm high)
    • 5ltr - Square pot (24cm wide x 14cm high)
    • 9cm plants arrive in solid pots and will need repotting into aquatic baskets.

    How to Grow

    Growing Instructions: Place plant on marginal shelf at required depth. Allow 5 x 1L plants per linear metre or 3 x 3L plants per linear metre.

    Growing Tips: For optimal growth, plant the Red Leaved Lobelia in full sun to partial shade. If not planted in a pond, then ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.

    Care & Maintenance

    Pruning: Trim to tidy but leave foliage to die back naturally to encourage winter bud formation.

    Pests/Diseases: Rarely affected by pests and diseases; however, young plants may be susceptible to slugs and snails.

    Marginals - Good to Know

    How Deep Should I Place My Marginals?

    The planting depth depends on the variety. Check the product page or the care label included with your plant for specific guidance.

    Depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water’s surface.

    Most marginals are fine placed 1cm to 2cm under the waterline, just enough to hide the aquatic basket.

    How Many Marginals Do I Need?

    Measure the length of your marginal shelves and then allow:

    • 1ltr Plants: 5 per linear metre
    • 3ltr Plants: 3 per linear metre

    Tip: Leave space between plant varieties to prevent dominant species from taking over. For more details, see our Planting Guide.

    Do I Need to Line My Basket with Hessian?

    No, Finofil aquatic baskets are designed with a fine mesh that prevents soil loss. Adding a liner is optional but not necessary.

    What Are Finofil Baskets Made From?

    Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK. They can be recycled at local recycling centres or through kerbside collections that accept black plastic. Plant labels are also recyclable.

    Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Plants?

    Carp (inc. Koi): These fish find pond plants irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers.

    Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.

    Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat plants or damage roots while nesting. Mature plants with strong root systems are more resilient, but consider protecting roots/rhizomes for added security.

    Ordering, Shipping & Returns

    What is a Pre-Order?

    Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.

    Ordering Tip!

    Many customers prefer to place two separate orders when ordering early in the season.

    1. One for plants available now.
    2. One for pre-order plants.

    This ensures there are no delays, and you can enjoy your ready now plants sooner.

    Read More about pre-orders


    Shipping Prices

    Plant Orders:

    • Standard Delivery: £6.00.
    • Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).

    Highlands & Islands:

    • Small Orders (<1.8kg): £6.00.
    • Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.

    Soil & Gravel:
    Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.

    Container Ponds:
    Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.

    Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Europe.

    Read More about delivery prices


    Couriers & Delivery Schedule

    Couriers Used:
    Royal Mail, APC, DX and Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).

    Shipping Schedule

    • Aquatic Plants: Dispatch Schedule varies dependant on season.
    • Garden Plants: Dispatched twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

    If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk

     


    Returns

    Unpacking Your Plants

    When your plants arrive, please unpack them carefully:

    • Plants are packed in protective plastic bags. Check if any stems, leaves, or flowers are stuck to the inside of the bag before removing it.
    • Gently peel off any stuck parts before removing the plant to prevent damage.
    • Minor soil displacement or damage to leaves/stems during transit is normal and won’t affect the plant’s recovery.

    If you’re concerned about your plants, take photos and email us, and we’ll assist you.

    Damaged or Incorrect Items

    If your plants or items arrive damaged, or you’ve received an incorrect item:

    1. Take clear photos of the packaging and damaged items.
    2. Email us with your order number (starting PFP) and the photos.

    We’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

    Returns of Plants/Molluscs (Non-Faulty)

    Due to the perishable nature of plants and molluscs, we are unable to accept cancellations or returns for these items. If you are unhappy with your plant or mollusc, please take photos and email us with your order number (starting PFP).

    For more details about returns and our full policy, please visit our Returns Policy

     

    Grown in the UK

    Aquatic Plants

    All our plants come from a UK family run aquatic nursery, established over 50 years ago.