Lobelia × speciosa 'Sparkling Ruby'
lobelia 'Sparkling Ruby'
'Sparkling Ruby' is a tall clump forming herbaceous perennial, also grown as an annual, with ovate-oblong moderate green leaves, bearing erect terminal spikes of two-lipped tubular, ruby to dark red flowers in summer and autumn.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Red | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, rich moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade. Feed with liquid fertilizer until flowering and low nitrogen during the rest of the season.
Propagation
Propagate by division and seed. Seed can be sown in very early spring but it may not come true to type
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown rot
Get involved
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