1 / 4Key characteristics
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Height
- 18 to 24 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Blue to violet
- Foliage color
- Green
- Bloom time
- Summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Regular watering
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds, butterflies
Perennials
Lobelia speciosa 'Starship Blue'
Starship Blue Cardinal Flower
Lobelia speciosa 'Starship Blue' is a captivating perennial that shines from mid-summer to early fall, typically from July to September. It features tall, slender spikes adorned with dense clusters of vibrant blue to violet flowers, each with a delicate, tubular shape and star-like flare. The lush, green foliage serves as a rich backdrop, making the vivid blooms stand out beautifully.
Native to southern Africa, Lobelia speciosa has been cultivated for its striking color and robust flowering performance.
Works well in
- Borders
- Cottage Gardens
- Pollinator Gardens
- Hummingbird Gardens
- Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
More perennials
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'
Walker's Low Catmint
Blooms lavender blue flower spikes held above foliage with soft violet tones
Full sun
Salvia dorrii
Desert Sage
Blooms deep violet blue flowers held in dense clusters above the foliage
Full sun
Clematis integrifolia 'Caerulea'
Bushy Blue Bell Clematis
Blooms blue-violet, nodding, bell-shaped
Full sun to partial shade
Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Marvel'
Blue Marvel Meadow Sage
Blooms rich violet-blue flower spikes with darker calyces
Full sun