With today’s technology, mixed with horticultural expertise and a hearty dash of creativity, we’re fortunate to be experiencing a boom in breeding breakthroughs. One very recent breakthrough worth celebrating is the F1 hybrid Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ from Benary, a FleuroSelect Gold Medal winner. This exceptional plant series offers unparalleled garden performance and superior quality from seed.

Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ sets a precedent, as it shows that Lobelia can be grown and offered much cheaper. While cutting raised types had become the market leaders, Lobelia are now available from seed, which is so much cheaper to grow plugs from! The home gardener could now pick up a packet of seed for a super keen price, and grow their own lobelia seedlings, just like the old days, and won’t have to buy the expensive cutting raised plants in the garden centre.

For growers, the ability to grow from seed means more flexibility in ordering than cuttings, and flexibility in timing. Not only that, but there is more freedom in the way of cultivation according to the cultural pot. With a short crop time of only 12-14 weeks and a very early flowering habit, Masterpiece enables a maximal growing capacity in the greenhouse.

A masterpiece of growth and form

Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ is distinguished by its well-formed, mounding growth habit. This, alongside its extra vigour thanks to its hybrid genetics, ensures a lush, full appearance throughout the growing season, standing out over looser varieties that may appear more floppy than full. Whether used as a striking focal point in a pot or container or as part of a larger landscaping project, its voluptuous form just makes you want to run your hands through it!

Superior heat tolerance

Wilting Lobelias are a worry of many gardeners, as they can be unsalvageable if left for too long without moisture. However, one of the standout features of Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ is its excellent heat tolerance. Unlike many other varieties, this hybrid thrives even in the hottest conditions, ensuring continuous, vibrant blooms throughout the summer. Its performance outshines competing varieties from seed, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking robust, resilient plants.

Early and abundant flowering

Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ is an early bloomer, gracing gardens with its large, striking flowers well ahead of many others. This early flowering, combined with good branching, means that Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ produces an abundance of blooms, creating a spectacular display of colour that lasts all season long.

Versatility in use

This versatile plant is perfect for pots and containers, bringing a splash of colour to patios, balconies and other small spaces. Additionally, its suitability for landscaping makes it an ideal choice for larger garden projects, where its impressive growth and flowering capabilities can be showcased to full effect.

A must-have for your garden

Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ is very new to the market, which means patience is required if you want to secure a plant or two for your own garden! Its unique qualities and groundbreaking status as the first Lobelia hybrid from seed mean that it’s likely to be in high demand, too.

So, bookmark this article and set a reminder: when you see Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’ at your local garden centre or nursery, you’ll want to be among the first to bring this innovation home. Get ready to transform your garden with the unmatched beauty and performance of Lobelia ‘Masterpiece’. I can barely contain my excitement! Eeeee!