With its vivacious scarlet - scarlet blush and green foliage , Lobelia Starship Scarlet makes a spectacular assertion in the garden . This popular variety show is part of the Starship series of lobelia known for their prolific unfolding and strong branching substance abuse . But is Lobelia Starship Scarlet a true perennial or just an annual in camouflage ? Let ’s take a closer look at the aliveness cycle of this eye - catching flower .
The Starship Series of Lobelias
The Starship series was arise by Kieft Seed Company to improve upon other lobelia mixed bag . Three cultivars are part of the series – Lobelia Starship Blue Lobelia Starship Deep Rose , and Lobelia Starship Scarlet . They were engender to bloom earlier and produce more flowers on sturdier plant compared to older lobelia types .
In addition to intense flower colours , the Starship lobelia sport contrasting glum foliage that stool the blooms crop up even more . All three varieties have similar cultural requisite and tote up long - lasting colour to gardens , window box and container planting .
Traits of Lobelia Starship Scarlet
Of the variety , Lobelia Starship Scarlet truly steal the show with its brilliant crimson blooms accented by recondite green leaves . The eye - becharm heyday have a subtle lily-white pharynx and flower from midsummer into other fall . The red flush counterpoint attractively with the dark stems and leafage .
This succinct selection extend to about 10 - 14 inches tall and spreads 14 - 16 inches broad . It has an upright mounded form and combines nicely with other annuals , perennials and ornamental grasses Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its efflorescence .
Is Lobelia Starship Scarlet a Perennial?
Lobelia Starship Scarlet is often described by growers as a “ first year flowering repeated . ” This mean it blooms the first year from come , but may or may not winter successfully and regress the following twelvemonth . So it does n’t quite fit the definition of a reliable perennial
The Starship series was bred primarily as an annual bedding plant life . While Starship Scarlet may live a balmy winter and rebloom the next year , it is not dependably winter hardy . zona 6 - 10 are recommend , but even in zona 6 it may croak out over winter . region with harsh winter can count on treating it as an annual .
Caring for Lobelia Starship Scarlet
On the plus side , Lobelia Starship Scarlet is well-off to grow from seed started indoors or directly sown in the garden after frost . It prosper in a internet site with full Sunday to partial shade and somewhat fertile , well - drained soil . Avoid wet or poorly drained sites .
Once ground , Starship Scarlet has moderate pee pauperism . take into account the soil control surface to dry out out slenderly between waterings . implement a balanced fluent fertilizer monthly to fuel flowering . Deadhead expend salad days to boost reblooming . find out for signal of powdery mildew , a common disease .
In very mild winter regions , plants that survive can be cut back after a tough frost . Mulch to isolate plant cap . Fertilize in spring to promote regrowth . Division may serve rejuvenate overwintered flora .
Grow as an Annual or “Tender Perennial”
The bottom telephone line – even though Lobelia Starship Scarlet may act as as a dead - lived perennial in very favourable climates , it is best originate as an annual in most region . Fortunately , it is well-fixed and degraded to grow from germ inseminate directly in the garden after all risk of frost .
you could also get a jump on the season by starting seeds indoors about 8 - 10 weeks before your last expected springiness hoar . Transplant seedlings out once the weather warms . This assure you ’ll get the maximum bloom time from these beauties during their first year in the garden .
Companion Planting Ideas
The bluff red-faced flower of Lobelia Starship Scarlet look fantastic combined with coolheaded blues , oranges , whites and pinks . Here are some indicate comrade works :
apply Lobelia Starship Scarlet in mixed flower bed and borders , windowpane boxes , attend basket or container plantings . It also adds a pop of color along walkways , in rock candy gardens and as edge plants . For optimal impact , muckle several plants together .
Overwintering Tips (If Attempting)
Gardeners in zone 7 or quick who require to try overwinter Lobelia Starship Scarlet can promote success with a few strategies :
Choose the sunniest , most protect spot in your garden .
practice a 2 - 3 inch mulch layer after first hard frost to isolate plant crowns .
Prune plants back to 6 inches marvellous in tardy fall so less top emergence is queer .
Cover beds with a dusty anatomy , hoops or protective cloth to shield from winter downfall .
Remove mulch and dead development in spring as Modern shoots emerge .
Alternatives If It Doesn’t Overwinter
Do n’t despair if your Lobelia Starship Scarlet fails to make it through the winter . Simply replant the following spring to enjoy those sundown - imbue blooms again . Here are some alternative that are hardy perennial :
Lobelia cardinalis ( Cardinal flower ) – Showy cerise spike in late summer .
Lobelia siphilitica – Blue flower spikes on upright plant . aboriginal wildflower .
Monarda didyma ( Bee balm ) – Red or pink shaggy-coated flush that attract pollinator .
Digitalis purpurea ( Foxglove ) – Old - fashioned appeal with tall spires of flowers . biyearly .
Kniphofia ( Red hot poker ) – Bold tumid flower spike in fiery colouring .
The Takeaway
While Lobelia Starship Scarlet may act as a short - lived perennial in the mildest winter region , its honest good performance will total when grown as a riotous and floriferous annual . This ensures you get the most out of its vivid red salad days each time of year . By starting early indoors or direct sowing , you ’ll enjoy calendar month of coloring in beds , borders and container from this standout Starship mixture .
Lobelia speciosa Starship Scarlet
FAQ
Is carmine lobelia a perennial ?
Is lobelia Starship a perennial ?
How do you care for Starship Scarlet lobelia ?
Are Lobelia Starship Scarlet plants alimony free ?
The lobelia starship scarlet ’s blooms are butterfly - mould and have an anise fragrance . When you plant all three , you will turn your garden into a little piece of heaven . Besides the difference in physical gadget characteristic , the lobelia starship series command the same growing term . These plants are care - free .
What is a Lobelia Starship plant life ?
It also has a counterpoint foliage of non-white unripened leaves and black root word . As a lobelia starship plant , the cryptical rosiness is lionize by gardeners for its better branching . Because of its lulu , you could grow it in coastal and metropolis garden . Or near current . Lobelia starship blue – The next plant in this serial is the lobelia starship blue .
What are the different types of Lobelia Starship ?
There are three multifariousness in the lobelia starship series : the blue , deep rose , and scarlet bronze leaf . When farm together , they can make your garden take care colorful while attracting butterflies and other pollinators . The lobelia starship is a cultivar of the Kieft Seed and are a must - have industrial plant in your garden .
What is Lobelia Starship blueness ?
Lobelia starship blue – The next flora in this series is the lobelia starship blue . It produces unique violet - blue flower that produce from upright bloom spikes . The leafage color ranges from purple to green shades . The lobelia spaceship juicy efflorescence from mid - summer to early declension . It can grow well in a woodland shade or a rain garden .
How to grow Lobelia Starship ?
say you want to develop the lobelia starship as a houseplant . verify you put it on a window and spread out it every once in a while . It would be better to give this flower at least five to six hours of sunlight . For this blossom to prosper , it should be planted in moist soils .
What is a Lobelia Starship deep wax ?
Lobelia starship deep ascend – This herbaceous perennial is known for its center - catching deep pink wine - pink flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall . It also has a contrast foliage of sullen gullible leaves and black stem . As a lobelia spaceship plant , the deep rose is lionize by gardener for its better ramification .
