A much sought-after perennial lobelia variety which is grown equally for its stunning foliage and almost luminous scarlet blooms.  This upright plant bears scarlet flowers which rise up from the foliage in late summer.  Needs protection from severe frost as it is not entirely hardy in all but southern counties in the UK.  Can flower in the first season from an early sowing.

RHS Award of Garden Merit.

·         Sowing: Sow in late winter to spring or in spring to late summer.

·         Sow in late winter to spring (Jan to March) for flowering in the same year

·         Sow in spring to late summer (May to July) to over winter frost free for blooms the following year.

·         Must be surface sown on moistened seed grade compost, just gently pressed in. Do not exclude light which is needed for germination.

·         Minimum soil temperature for germination of around 20°C (71°F).

·         Use a propagator or seal in a polythene bag until after germination. Make sure that the compost is kept moist but not wet. Germination in less than 2 weeks

·         Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into individual pots and grow on.  

·         Final growing position ideally needs to be in rich moist soil, preferably sheltered in part shade.  This variety will not thrive in full sun or dry conditions.