Species
Lobelia speciosaHybrid Lobelia8 other cultivars
‘Fan Cinnabar Rose’Fan Cinnabar Rose Lobelia
‘Compliment Violet’Hybrid Cardinal Flower
‘Compliment Blue’Compliment Blue Lobelia
‘STARSHIP Blue’Blue Lobelia Lobelia speciosa STARSHIP
‘Compliment Deep Red’Compliment Deep Red Lobelia
‘Fan Orchid Rose’Fan Orchid Rose Lobelia
‘Fan Scarlet’Fan Scarlet Lobelia
‘Starship’Starship Blue Cardinal Flower
The Story
Plant Bio
Lobelia x speciosa 'Complexion' is a perennial or tender shrub with a bushy habit, featuring lush green foliage and tall spikes of tubular flowers that range in shades of pink, purple, and blue, creating a vibrant display.
This cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally large and vividly colored flowers, which bloom profusely from summer to early fall, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators while offering a striking ornamental presence.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
28 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Requires consistently moist soil
Humidity
Prefers humid conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested.
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade.
- Mist cuttings regularly to encourage root development.
- Transplant seedlings after last frost, approximately 6 weeks.
- Fertilize lightly during active growth periods.
- Prune back after flowering to promote bushiness.
Pro Tip
Use rich, moist soil and provide partial shade for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to full, hot sun in peak afternoon
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lobelia x speciosa Complexion questions
What zones can Lobelia x speciosa Complexion grow in?
Lobelia x speciosa Complexion 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 Lobelia x speciosa Complexion deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Lobelia x speciosa Complexion, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Lobelia x speciosa Complexion bloom?
Lobelia x speciosa Complexion typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lobelia x speciosa Complexion need full sun?
Lobelia x speciosa Complexion does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Lobelia to compare
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Lilac Candles Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica 'Lilac Candles'
Fan Cinnabar Rose Lobelia
Lobelia speciosa 'Fan Cinnabar Rose'
Hybrid Cardinal Flower
Lobelia speciosa 'Compliment Violet'
Cardinal Flower 'Black Truffle'
Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'
Perrys White Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis 'Perrys White'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Lobelia x speciosa Complexion with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.