Species

Lobelia speciosaHybrid Lobelia

8 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Starship Blue Cardinal Flower

Lobelia speciosa 'Starship'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lobelia x speciosa are robust, hybrid cardinal flowers bred for vigor, strong flowering, and garden performance. They are upright, clump-forming perennials that thrive in moist to wet soils and attract hummingbirds.

'Starship Blue' is noted for its early flowering, well-branched habit, and dense spikes of intense violet-blue flowers. Its bronze-tinged foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the vibrant blooms.

Uses & Benefits:

The 'Starship' series provides intense, vertical splashes of color in the mid-to-late summer garden. The vibrant flowers and contrasting dark foliage make them standout specimens in borders, containers, and mass plantings.

Their love for moist soil makes them an ideal solution for beautifying problematic wet spots in the landscape, such as low-lying areas, rain gardens, or the edges of water features.

Lobelia is a critical nectar source for hummingbirds, which are its primary pollinator. It also attracts butterflies and bees, making it a superb addition to any wildlife or pollinator garden.

SpeciesLobelia speciosaHybrid Lobelia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

14 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid of North American species

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or part shade with rich, moist soil.
Amend the soil with compost to improve water retention.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant's root ball.
Place the plant in the hole so the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and press gently to remove air pockets.
Water deeply and apply a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist.

Pro Tip

Never let the soil dry out. Lobelia thrives in consistently moist conditions and will decline rapidly in drought.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture; ideal for rain gardens or pond edges.
Mulch well to protect the shallow roots and conserve water.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote a longer bloom season.
Divide clumps every few years in spring to rejuvenate the plant.
Site in a location with good air circulation.

Don't

Don't allow the soil to become parched, even for a short time.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which can lead to leggy growth and poor flowering.
Don't bury the crown when planting or mulching.
Avoid excessive winter wetness on the crown, which can cause rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant vertical accent in perennial bordersEssential plant for hummingbird and pollinator gardensExcellent for rain gardens and moist areas

Companion Plants

Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway'Hibiscus moscheutos Panicum virgatum Asclepias incarnata Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Starship Blue Cardinal Flower questions

What zones can Starship Blue Cardinal Flower grow in?

Starship Blue Cardinal Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Starship Blue Cardinal Flower deer resistant?

Yes — Starship Blue Cardinal Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Starship Blue Cardinal Flower bloom?

Starship Blue Cardinal Flower typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Starship Blue Cardinal Flower need full sun?

Starship Blue Cardinal Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.