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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym
Lobelia × speciosa 'Starship Scarlet' (Starship Series)
An upright, clump-forming perennial with narrow, dark bronzy-green leaves and black stems. Spikes of tubular, two-lipped, bright scarlet flowers open from dark red buds in summer and autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black | Green Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black | Red | Green Bronze | |
| Autumn | Black | Red | Green Bronze | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Lobelia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and showy 2-lipped flowers that may be solitary or in racemes or panicles
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, rich, moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown rot and a virus
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