Product Description
Lobelia speciosa STARSHIP™ Rose (30)ct Flat
STARSHIP™ Series
Common Name: Cardinal Flower, Hybrid Lobelia
Developed by Kieft Seeds, the STARSHIP™ Series is an improvement on older cultivars with first year flowering plants, earlier flowering, better branching, and higher quality finished plants. Rose flowers over deep green foliage. Replaces Lobelia s. STARSHIP™ Deep Rose.
The perfect plant for damp locations such as near ponds or low-lying areas, Lobelia will easily adapt to 'wet feet' but can also tolerate well-drained soils. L. speciosa is more adaptable than other Lobelias to various soil types and moisture levels. If enough moisture is available, it will thrive in the sun. In drier soils, it should be planted in part shade. Deadheading spent blooms will improve the overall appearance of the plant and may promote reblooming. It's a good idea to cut this plant back in the spring instead of the fall, since the foliage will help protect the root zone in the winter. Mulch is also recommended.
Height: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-14.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 6,7,8,9,10
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds abd Songbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Bog Plant, Border Plant, Mass Planting, Native to North America
Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose, also known as Cardinal Flower, is a captivating perennial celebrated for its vibrant rose-pink blossoms and ability to attract pollinators. In this article, we will explore all the key aspects of this beautiful plant, covering its ideal growing conditions, common uses in landscaping, and potential pests and diseases.
Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose is an herbaceous perennial that typically reaches a height of 20-24 inches and a width of 8-12 inches . It features deep green foliage that provides a striking contrast to its rose-pink flowers . The flowers bloom in mid-summer to early fall and are arranged in tall, upright spires . This variety is an improved descendent of Lobelia s. STARSHIP Deep Rose . Notably, Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 . This sturdy, bushy plant is low-maintenance . 'Starship Deep Rose' blooms earlier than most Lobelias.
Ideal Growing Conditions Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to light shade . This Lobelia thrives in rich, organic soil that retains moisture . It is adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels . In drier soils, it is best to plant it in partial shade . This variety prefers higher temperatures, humidity, and moisture . When planting Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose, ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil . It is a good idea to cut this plant back in the spring instead of the fall, since the foliage will help protect the root zone in the winter . Mulch is also recommended.
Common Uses in Landscaping Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose is a versatile plant with various applications in landscaping. Its vibrant color and upright form make it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and mass plantings . It is also well-suited for rain gardens, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens . Due to its adaptability to moist conditions, it can be planted near ponds or streams.
Potential Pests and Diseases While generally low-maintenance, Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Some common pests include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves . They often cluster on the undersides of leaves and new growth.
- Spider mites: These tiny mites suck the juices out of Lobelia leaves, causing them to turn brown and wither . You might notice fine webbing on the underside of leaves.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on flower buds and blooms, causing discoloration and distortion.
Potential diseases include:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause white powdery spots on the leaves . Improve air circulation by thinning overcrowded plants and avoid overhead watering.
- Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea): This fungal disease thrives in cool, wet conditions and causes fuzzy gray mold to grow on flowers, leaves, and stems . Remove and dispose of affected plant parts to prevent further spread. Improve air circulation around your plants and avoid overwatering.
Regular monitoring and appropriate pest and disease control measures can help maintain the health of the plant.
Companion Plants Consider pairing Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose with companion plants that share similar growing requirements and complement its aesthetic appeal.
| Companion Plant | Description | Benefits of Pairing |
| Allium 'Lavender Bubbles' | Ornamental onion with lavender-purple flower clusters. | Provides contrasting color and texture. Attracts pollinators. |
| Astilbe 'Visions' | Shade-loving perennial with feathery plumes in various colors. | Adds contrasting form and color. Thrives in similar moist conditions. |
| Fern | Shade-loving plant with delicate fronds. | Creates a lush, textured backdrop. Thrives in similar moist, shady conditions. |
| Hibiscus 'Mars Madness' | Hardy hibiscus with large, showy red flowers. | Adds a bold splash of color. Attracts pollinators. |
| Heuchera | Shade-tolerant perennial with colorful foliage. | Provides contrasting foliage color and texture. |
| Hosta | Shade-loving perennial with diverse foliage colors and patterns. | Creates a lush, textured groundcover. Thrives in similar moist, shady conditions. |
| Ligularia 'King Kong' | Shade-loving perennial with large, bold foliage. | Adds dramatic foliage contrast. Thrives in similar moist conditions. |
| Monarda 'Electric Neon Pink' | Bee balm with vibrant pink flowers. | Provides contrasting color and attracts pollinators. |
| Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' | Beardtongue with deep purple flowers. | Adds contrasting color and vertical interest. |
| Phlox (Phlox) | Perennial with fragrant flowers in various colors. | Provides contrasting color and attracts pollinators. |
| Phlox 'Cover Girl' | Creeping phlox with pink flowers. | Creates a colorful groundcover. |
| Rudbeckia fulgida 'Little Goldstar' | Black-eyed Susan with golden-yellow flowers. | Adds contrasting color and attracts pollinators. |
| Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum) | Shade-loving perennial with arching stems and bell-shaped flowers. | Adds contrasting form and texture. |
| Speedwell (Veronica) | Perennial with spires of blue or purple flowers. | Provides contrasting color and vertical interest. |
Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose is a beautiful and versatile perennial that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. This low-maintenance plant is a standout due to its early blooming period and vibrant rose-pink flowers, which create a stunning contrast against its deep green foliage. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to light shade, making it adaptable to various garden settings. Whether used in borders, containers, or mass plantings, Lobelia s. STARSHIP Rose is sure to attract attention with its beauty and appeal to pollinators. By understanding its characteristics and providing the ideal growing conditions, gardeners can enjoy the vibrant blooms and pollinator activity that this plant offers.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
