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Starship™ Burgundy Cardinal Flower

Lobelia x speciosa 'PAS1301790'

Plants that Work®
Perennial
$3493
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This Cardinal Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the most intense burgundy foliage and vibrant red blooms, aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight. In hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade helps prevent the leaves from scorching during the peak of summer.
  • Soil: It prefers rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist but doesn't turn into a stagnant swamp. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost to improve drainage; for sandy soil, add peat moss to help hold onto that vital moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently damp to help the roots settle in deeply. Once established, these plants can handle brief dry spells, but they are not truly drought tolerant. If the soil dries out completely, you will notice the lower leaves yellowing and the flower spikes becoming stunted.

Pruning Tips

Starship™ Burgundy blooms on new wood, so you should wait until the plant starts to wake up in early spring to cut back the old stems. Use sharp shears to trim the previous year’s growth down to about two inches above the ground. This "spring cleaning" encourages a flush of fresh, vigorous stems and ensures the plant directs its energy into producing those signature vertical flower spikes.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears to fuel the long blooming season. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer. Excessive nitrogen at that time can trigger soft, leafy growth that won't harden off properly before the first frost, leaving the plant vulnerable to winter damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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Proven Winners® Starship™ Burgundy Cardinal Flower

The Proven Winners® Starship™ Burgundy Cardinal Flower (Lobelia x speciosa 'PAS1301790') is an out of this world perennial that delivers a deep, dramatic color to your garden while attracting hummingbirds and butterflies in droves! Its rich burgundy-red flowers emerge in summer and continue blooming into early fall, creating a dazzling display against lush green foliage.

A reblooming hybrid with a compact habit, this improved Giant Lobelia variety stands strong in heat and humidity while thriving in moist soils! Growing to about 24 inches tall with a tidy, upright form, Starship™ Burgundy boasts lanceolate (long and pointed) leaves that are deep green with subtle hints of maroon later in the season.

The sturdy stems hold up elegant spikes of tubular flowers that make a bold contrast in mixed beds. This cultivar of Cardinal Flower has been bred for better branching, improved vigor, and long-lasting blooms?ensuring a long season of vibrant color in the landscape. Hardy in USDA zones 6-10, this modern hybrid brings adaptability and high performance to both cottage gardens and modern landscapes alike.

Hailing from a lineage of moisture-loving North American natives, Lobelia speciosa is well adapted to wet conditions, thriving in pond edges, rain gardens, and boggy areas while still tolerating average garden soils with sufficient moisture. In folklore, Lobelia species were historically used in herbal remedies and carried spiritual significance, often symbolizing healing, protection, and communication.

Key Features

  • Striking deep burgundy-red flowers from summer into early fall
  • Compact, upright growth habit (about 24 inches tall, 8-12 inches wide)
  • Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators
  • Reblooming variety with strong stems and improved vigor
  • Thrives in moist soils?ideal for rain gardens and water's edge plantings
  • Heat and humidity tolerant for southern gardens

Landscaping Uses

This compact and upright perennial is a powerhouse in pollinator gardens and wetland plantings, adding structure and rich color to any setting.

  • Mass plantings for a bold color impact
  • Mixed perennial borders and cottage gardens
  • Rain Gardens and wetland edges
  • Container plantings for patios and balconies
  • Alongside ponds, streams, or water features
  • Hummingbird and butterfly gardens
  • Cottage Gardens and Mixed Perennial Borders
  • Cutting Gardens - Snip the blooms for tall bouquet elements indoors

Care and Maintenance

As a moisture-loving herbaceous perennial, Starship™ Burgundy thrives in sunny, well-watered locations and is perfect for gardeners looking to support pollinators with a reliable late-season nectar source.

  • Planting Time: Spring or fall for best establishment
  • Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and loamy soils
  • Moisture Needs: Prefers consistently moist soil; does not tolerate drought
  • Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
  • Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
  • Pruning Info: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming, trim back foliage after plant dies back in the fall
  • Special Needs/Tips and Tricks For Success:
  • Division Info: Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor

A Cosmic Cardinal Flower for Stunning Garden Displays

If you want a bold burst of burgundy-red blooms that hummingbirds can?t resist, Proven Winners® Starship™ Burgundy Cardinal Flower is the perfect choice. This compact, easy-to-grow perennial thrives in moist conditions, adds late-season color, and stands up to heat and humidity. Make a statement in your garden with this dazzling performer!

Order now from Nature Hills Nursery and we'll ship it at the perfect time for your growing zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does the Starship™ Burgundy Cardinal Flower grow?
This Lobelia variety reaches about 20-24 inches in height and the basal leaves spread 8-12 inches in width.

Does Lobelia speciosa Starship™ Burgundy attract pollinators?
Yes! It is a hummingbird and butterfly magnet, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Can this plant grow in wet soil?
Absolutely! It thrives in moist to wet soils and is ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and other consistently damp areas.

Is Starship™ Burgundy deer resistant?
Yes, Lobelia speciosa is known to be deer and rabbit resistant, making it a great low-maintenance choice for wildlife-prone gardens.

When should I cut back my Starship™ Burgundy Cardinal Flower?
Cut it back in late fall after it finishes blooming or in early spring before new growth emerges.

Can I grow this in containers?
Yes! The compact form makes it perfect for container plantings, especially when paired with other moisture-loving plants in a container water garden.

Growing Zones 6-10

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