Lobelia speciosa Starship Scarlet

The Lobelia x speciosa Starship Scarlet is part of a new generation of earlier hybrids, with an upright, narrow habit and well-branched growth, boasting abundant flowering.  This colourful plant forms a cluster of purple-chocolate leafy stems that culminate in spikes of very bright red flowers from the first summer onwards. Generous and short-lived, this perennial is ideal for flowering in wet areas or near water points. It can also be grown in a pot, ensuring frequent watering. 

The Lobelia x speciosa Starship Scarlet is a plant from the campanula family, originating from horticultural species. Derived from American species Lobelia cardinalis, L. splendens and L. siphilitica, this herbaceous perennial with a short lifespan (around 3 years) easily perpetuates by dividing the stumps every two years. The 'Starship Scarlet' variety forms a bushy and upright clump, 60 cm (24in) tall and 40 cm (16in) wide. Unlike most hybrid lobelias, this plant stands very upright and its stems are quite sturdy. It also stands out for its quick flowering and blossoms appearing as early as July. Its beautiful oblong foliage, with dentate margins, is glossy and sometimes slightly tinged with purple depending on the season. It is carried by dark-coloured stems that enhance the flower's colour. Each stem branches out and bears long, erect spikes adorned with very unique tubular corolla flowers, somewhat resembling soft-winged butterflies; each, 5 cm (2in) long, consists of 2 lips, the upper lip being bilabiate and the lower lip trilobed. 

The Lobelia speciosa Starship Scarlet is a plant that thrives in damp to moist soil, ideal for embellishing the banks of water points, but also very beautiful in a bed where the soil remains cool in summer. In this usage, it can be paired with vernonias, the African Corn Lilies, white or pink hastate vervains, or Virginia mountain mints. This variety will also look stunning accompanied by grey or purple foliage in a tall bed. Plants such as Artemisia lactiflora, Carex granularis, or Hosta 'Lacy Belle' will provide the silver or bluish touch that forms a magnificent setting for its vibrant colours.