Lobelia speciosa 'Fan Scarlet'

Fan Series

Common Name: Cardinal Flower, Hybrid Lobelia

Winner of the 1995 Fleuroselect Gold Medal! 'Fan Scarlet' sports compact, bronze foliage and a vigorous base-branching habit. Vivid scarlet flowers are borne on dense, strictly upright spikes. Members of the Fan Series typically have an earlier bloom time than the species, beginning in midsummer and continuing into fall.

Lobelia is an excellent border plant for moist locations and is a hummingbird magnet. It also attracts butterflies and swallowtails.

Height:

24.0 Inches

Spread:

14.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Red shades

Foliage Color:

Purple shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Attracts Songbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Rain Garden Water Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Bog Plant Border Plant Mass Planting

Origin:

Native to North America

The perfect plant for damp locations such as near ponds or low-lying areas, Lobelia will easily adapt to 'wet feet' but can also tolerate well-drained soils. L. speciosa is more adaptable than other Lobelias to various soil types and moisture levels. If enough moisture is available, it will thrive in the sun. In drier soils, it should be planted in part shade. Deadheading spent blooms will improve the overall appearance of the plant and may promote reblooming. It's a good idea to cut this plant back in the spring instead of the fall, since the foliage will help protect the root zone in the winter. Mulch is also recommended.

Awards

Fleuroselect Gold Medal -- 1995

Characteristics