STARSHIP™ BLUE CARDINAL FLOWER

Lobelia speciosa Starship™ Blue is a popular hybrid perennial, a robust and improved cultivar within the Cardinal Flower family, prized for its exceptionally vibrant, deep violet-blue flowers. It forms an upright, columnar clump of bright green, narrow foliage, reaching a mature height of 18–24 inches with a spread of 15–18 inches. The flowers are densely packed on sturdy, upright spikes and have an earlier bloom time and better branching than many older Lobelia varieties, providing a colorful display from mid-summer through early fall. Its striking blue hue is a standout in the garden, and it is a powerful lure for hummingbirds and butterflies, while remaining deer and rabbit resistant. Starship™ Blue is adaptable, thriving in conditions from full sun to part shade, and is particularly well-suited for hot, humid summers (hardy in zones 6-10).

The most crucial requirement for Lobelia is consistently moist to wet soil - it is an excellent selection for bog gardens, rain gardens, or along water features, and can even tolerate brief flooding. If planting in average, well-drained soil, ensure it is rich in organic matter and kept reliably moist, especially when in full sun; afternoon shade is recommended in warmer climates to help conserve soil moisture. It benefits from being cut back in the spring rather than the fall, as the remaining winter foliage helps protect the crown.