Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ (Elmfeuer) – Dramatic Colour for Late Summer

Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’, often sold as ‘Elmfeuer’, is one of the most striking perennials for late summer colour. Its intense scarlet flower spikes rise above rich bronze‑red foliage, creating bold contrast and strong vertical impact in borders and wildlife‑friendly gardens.

Flowering from mid‑summer into early autumn, this plant really comes into its own when many other perennials are starting to slow down.

Why Grow Lobelia ‘Queen Victoria’?

This variety is prized for its combination of dramatic foliage and vibrant flowers, making it a true feature plant rather than a background filler.

Key benefits include:

• Tall spikes of vivid red flowers
• Dark bronze foliage for contrast
• Excellent late‑season colour
• Ideal for damp or moisture‑retentive soils
• Highly attractive to pollinators

Best Position & Soil

Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ performs best in full sun or partial shade with consistently moist soil. It thrives in rich, fertile ground and is particularly well suited to:

• Moist borders
• Pond edges and rain gardens
• Wildlife and pollinator planting schemes

Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially during summer.

Care & Maintenance

This is a straightforward plant to grow with the right conditions:

• Water regularly during dry spells
• Remove faded flower stems to keep plants tidy
• Cut back stems after flowering once growth dies back
• Mulch lightly in colder areas to protect the crown

Plants benefit from division every few years to maintain vigour.

Growth Habit & Garden Use

Lobelia ‘Queen Victoria’ forms an upright, clump‑forming perennial with strong vertical presence. It works particularly well:

• Towards the middle or back of borders
• In bold colour‑themed planting schemes
• As a focal point in wildlife gardens

Its intense red flowers pair beautifully with grasses, salvias, rudbeckias, and other late‑summer perennials.

Plant Summary

• Botanical name: Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’
• Also known as: Elmfeuer
• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Flower colour: Scarlet red
• Foliage: Bronze‑red
• Aspect: Sun or partial shade
• Hardiness: Hardy with winter protection

Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ is an excellent choice if you want strong colour, architectural form, and late‑season impact in borders that stay moist and fertile.