Plant of the week

THIS variety could hardly be more different from familiar blue bedding lobelias. Lobelia Queen Victoria is a short-lived perennial with clusters of narrow, bronzepurple leaves in early summer. From late June, stems begin to appear and extend to 90cm before opening a series of tubular, lipped flowers in scarlet. Damp soil suits this lobelia best, it even loves a bog garden. Although perennial, it is not long-lived and is best propagated each year. To do that, look for basal buds or emerging shoots on mature plants. Remove them, root in moist pots and shelter plants.