Growing guide · Perennials

Lobelia × speciosa

How to grow Cardinal Flower 'Starship Deep Rose'.

Hummingbird bait, in deep rose.

Light
Full sun, part sun
Water
High
Zones
6–9
Size
20–24 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
Spacing
12–18 in. apart, in groups.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
See sizes · from $29.99
Upright spikes of deep rose-pink tubular flowers on sturdy green stems

Light

Full sun if the soil stays moist; part shade in hot areas.

Water

Keep consistently moist. Drought is what kills it.

Planting and soil

Plant in spring in rich, moist soil, crown at soil level.

Feeding

Compost in spring.

Pruning

Cut spent spikes after bloom. Leave the low leafy rosette alone over winter.

Through the year

Rosettes in spring, flowers July into September.

If something's off

Short-lived; replant every few years. All parts are toxic to people and pets.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

Turtlehead 'Hot Lips'
Chelone lyoniiTurtlehead 'Hot Lips' from $31.99
Blue Flag Iris 'Purple Flame'
Iris versicolorBlue Flag Iris 'Purple Flame' from $37.99
Virginia Sweetspire 'Henry's Garnet'
Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'Virginia Sweetspire 'Henry's Garnet' from $77.99

Why we stock it: Vivid color and hummingbirds in a spot that stays wet.

That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.

Know someone with the right spot? Send them this.

Next
Find your next plant →
All perennials →How we label →
The Sunday Tip · every Sunday

One good plant idea,
every Sunday.

What to plant this week in your zone, every Sunday. New ways to plant and odd tricks that actually work.