In order to obtain the Fleuroselect Gold Medal a new flower seed variety must be a breakthrough in breeding and beauty. Remembering 1989 medal winner Lobelia speciosa `Compliment Scarlet', the new red Lobelia speciosa `Fan Scarlet' must have made an unbelievable impression on the judges. Well, that is exactly what it did, by its attractive leaf colour, the long flowering period, its floridity, its habit, uniformity and even by better disease and weather tolerance. So `Fan Scarlet' again really extended the limits of breeding (and using) Lobelia speciosa.
In detail
Lobelia x speciosa belongs to the family of Campanulaceae, which originally come from North America. Through crossings many new groups of plants have been created. The bushy plants of this species grow to a height of 70 cm. Its flower spikes bloom from the bottom up to the top. Although not belonging to the top ten bedding plants, the many, recently introduced, good varieties are sure to increase the popularity of Lobelia speciosa. `Fan Scarlet' is the latest introduction in a range of beautiful new colours in the "Fan" series, including deep red and cinnabar rose. Yet, this new variety not only stands out for its attractive colour, but also for its floridity, longer flowering period, its habit, uniformity and weather tolerance. These qualities have earned it the Fleuroselect Gold Medal. `Fan Scarlet's most impressive point remains however its colour. The combination of its scarlet flowers on the copper foliage is striking. Like other Lobelia speciosa, `Fan Scarlet' is mainly used as an annual plant for garden culture, but biennial use is also possible if covered in winter. It draws a lot of attention in the border of a garden. Preferably it should be planted in small groups next to more neutral vegetation. The fine seed should be sown indoors in January and not be covered to germinate in 2-3 weeks at 18°C. The seedlings can be grown on at 18°C and pricked off after 4 to 6 weeks. In April the half hardy plants may be planted out at 20 x 20 cm. in a sunny spot in the garden.