Product Description
Lobelia speciosa STARSHIP™ Scarlet Bronze Leaf (30)ct Flat
STARSHIP™ Series
Common Name: Cardinal Flower, Hybrid Lobelia
A replacement for 'Vulcan Red'. This perennial has similar excellent bronzing on the leaves to its predecessor, but adds better basal branching and is earlier to flower. Cardinal red flower spikes. From PanAmerican Seed.
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.
Mississippi State University Ornamental Trial Top Performer -- 2021
Height: 22.0-28.0 Inches
Spread: 16.0-22.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 6,7,8,9,10
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades, Near-black 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 'Starship Scarlet Bronze Leaf' is a captivating variety of Lobelia, prized for its striking combination of vibrant scarlet flowers and dark, bronze-colored foliage. It is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of drama and attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Here's a rundown of its key features and growing needs:
Key Features:
- Intense Scarlet Blooms: 'Starship Scarlet Bronze Leaf' produces masses of vivid scarlet-red flowers that stand out beautifully against the dark foliage.
- Bronze Foliage: The leaves are a deep bronze-purple color, adding interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Upright Growth Habit: It grows in an upright, bushy form, reaching about 24-26 inches tall and 18-22 inches wide.
- Long Blooming Period: It blooms from summer through fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Hummingbird Magnet: The bright red flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, making it a must-have for any hummingbird garden.
- Attracts Butterflies: It also attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Growing Conditions:
- Zones: 6-10 (It is hardy in a wide range of climates)
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sun for best flowering, but it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate some clay soil, but it is important to ensure good drainage.
- Water: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist.
Care Tips:
- Pinching: Pinch back stems in spring to promote a bushier habit and more flowers.
- Deadheading: Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is not necessary, as it will continue to produce new blooms.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Uses in the Landscape:
- Borders: Its upright and bushy habit makes it perfect for adding color and structure to borders.
- Mass Plantings: Planted in groups, it creates a stunning display of vibrant red flowers and dark foliage.
- Cottage Gardens: Its vibrant flowers fit perfectly in cottage-style gardens.
- Containers: It can be used in containers to add a pop of color and attract hummingbirds to patios and decks.
- Hummingbird Gardens: It is a must-have for any garden designed to attract hummingbirds.
If you are looking for a striking and low-maintenance plant that will attract hummingbirds to your garden, Lobelia 'Starship Scarlet Bronze Leaf' is an excellent choice. Its vibrant flowers and unique foliage will add a touch of drama and beauty to your landscape.
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!
