Lobelia Starship Scarlet is a popular variety known for its vivid red blooms and strong branching habit. But there is often confusion around whether this eye-catching plant is actually a perennial or just an annual in disguise. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the life cycle of Starship Scarlet to determine if it can really be considered a perennial in all climates.
Starship Scarlet is part of the Starship series of lobelia bred by Kieft Seed Company. This series was developed to improve upon older lobelia varieties by blooming earlier and producing more flowers on sturdier plants. The Starship series includes three cultivars:
- Starship Blue
- Starship Deep Rose
- Starship Scarlet
All three share similar cultural requirements and add long-lasting color to gardens, containers, and window boxes. But Starship Scarlet truly steals the show with its brilliant red blooms.
Key Traits of Lobelia Starship Scarlet
Starship Scarlet reaches 10-14 inches tall and spreads 14-16 inches wide. It has an upright, mounded form and combines beautifully with other annuals, perennials, and grasses. Some of its defining features include:
- Vibrant red flowers with a subtle white throat
- Blooms from midsummer into early fall
- Dark green leaves and stems provide contrast
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Compact, dense habit
Is Starship Scarlet a Perennial?
Starship Scarlet is often described as a “first year flowering perennial.” This means it blooms the first year from seed, but may or may not return the following year.
The Starship series was primarily bred as an annual. While Starship Scarlet may survive a mild winter and rebloom, it is not reliably winter hardy. Zones 6-10 are recommended, but even in zone 6 it can die out over winter.
So technically, Starship Scarlet doesn’t quite meet the definition of a true perennial. It’s best considered an annual or “tender perennial” in most regions.
Growing and Caring for Lobelia Starship Scarlet
Fortunately, Starship Scarlet is easy to grow from seed started indoors or directly sown after frost danger has passed. Here are some tips for success:
- Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
- Watch for powdery mildew and treat promptly if found.
In very mild climates, established plants can be cut back after a hard frost and mulched to insulate crowns. Fertilize in spring to stimulate new growth. Division may help rejuvenate overwintered plants.
Grow as an Annual for Best Results
For most regions, Lobelia Starship Scarlet will provide the most reliable performance when grown as a fast and floriferous annual. Starting seeds early indoors or direct sowing after the danger of frost will ensure the longest bloom time.
Don’t worry if your plants fail to overwinter successfully. Simply replant in spring and you’ll enjoy those vivid red blooms once again!
Overwintering Tips (For Mild Winter Regions)
Gardeners in zones 7+ who want to try overwintering Starship Scarlet can follow these tips:
- Choose the sunniest, most protected spot in your garden.
- Apply 2-3 inches of mulch after first hard frost.
- Prune back to 6 inches tall in late fall.
- Cover with cold frame, hoops, or protective fabric.
- Remove mulch and dead growth as new shoots emerge in spring.
Alternatives If It Doesn’t Overwinter
If Starship Scarlet doesn’t survive your winter, here are some perennial alternatives with red flowers:
- Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower)
- Monarda didyma (Bee balm)
- Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove)
- Kniphofia (Red hot poker)
The Bottom Line
While Lobelia Starship Scarlet may act as a short-lived perennial in the mildest climates, it performs best when grown as a fast and prolific annual. Starting seeds early ensures the longest season of its vibrant red blooms in beds, borders, and containers.
Features and Growing Tips
Note: Each live plant is unique and may differ from the photo while maintaining its beauty. Plants come in a plastic pot; other items in s are not included.
but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition., Starship Scarlet Lobelia is an herbaceous perennial with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its medium texture blends into the garden
turning green in color with prominent coppery-bronze tips throughout the season.
and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground. It grows at a fast rate, Starship Scarlet Lobelia will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant
and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation., but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid, preferring to grow in average to wet conditions, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. It can be propagated by division; however, This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable
Prefers full sun to partial shade
Keep moisture level average to wet
Flowers from mid summer to early fall
Known to be toxic
Likes average to moist soil
New addition to the garden: Perennial Lobelia
FAQ
Is scarlet Lobelia a perennial?
About Lobelia Seeds – Scarlet Bronze Leaf
Also known as Cardinal Flower, this North American native wildflower is a must-grow for your perennial garden or pollinator patch.
Do Lobelia come back every year?
Annual lobelias can be discarded after the first frosts to make way for your winter flowering annuals. Perennial Lobeila will die back, however, new growth will start to appear again the following spring. We advise growing your perennails in full sun to get best results, however they will tolerant some shade.
Is Starship Lobelia a perennial or annual?
Starship Lobelia (Lobelia x speciosa ‘Starship’ series) is a perennial.
How to tell if Lobelia is annual or perennial?
Annuals will usually self-seed and come back the next year, while perennials will re-sprout from the dormant plant in spring. Lobelia winter hardiness varies by species, but even the hardy Lobelias need special care to survive cold temperatures.