Lobelia x speciosa ‘Starship Rose’
Common name: Cardinal flower
Lobelia x speciosa ‘Starship Rose’ is a Kieft Seeds introduction. Lobelia x speciosa, a hybrid designation, covers plants developed from L. fulgens, L. cardinalis and L. siphilitica. These hybrid perennials are noted for having handsome foliage (often flushed with red, purple or bronze), attractive flowers (shades of lavender, pink or red), and a long summer bloom. The species name speciosa means showy. And showy they are.
Into its second year of growth, ‘Starship Rose’ is flourishing in the Eastern North America Garden. It is planted in partial shade with moist soil and couldn’t be happier. Full growth of this medium-sized perennial takes from two to five years. Our ‘Starship Rose’ plants have already reached full growth. With beautiful blooms that started in July and go right through fall, the butterflies and hummingbirds are celebrating. But not the deer. They have no interest in this plant.
Lobelia is a genus named after the Belgian botanist Matthias de Lobel (1538 - 1616). There are 400 species worldwide. In the wild they are mostly seen growing in boggy places in sun or part shade.
The pictures were taken in August in the Eastern North America Garden.
Text and photos by Hughie Jones