Lobelia x speciosa 'Starship™ Deep Rose' (Cardinal Flower)

Lobelia x speciosa 'Starship™ Deep Rose' is a hybrid lobelia cultivar from the Starship line of hybrids by Kieft Seeds, which all produce stellar finished plants with a variety of attractive features. In this case, 'Starship™ Deep Rose' was chosen for its striking deep rose-pink flowers and dark, purple tinged foliage. Though Lobelia x speciosa is a hybrid, it is hybridized from two North American native species, Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica.

Growing to 20-24" tall with a spread of up to 24", this cardinal flower cultivar also offers a higher density of stems over a smaller spread, resulting in a large number of mounded, bright pink blooms from mid summer to early fall. 'Starship™ Deep Rose' is best grown in rich, medium moisture soils, and can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but does better with part shade in hotter summers. Thriving in boggy areas or rain gardens, this lobelia hybrid is tolerant of seasonal flooding, erosion, and deer browsing while also attracting butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds.

(Photo courtesy of Proven Winners)