Starship™ Scarlet Lobelia

Starship™ Scarlet is the upright, clump-forming Lobelia × speciosa selection sold under code PAS905521. The Royal Horticultural Society links that code to the name Starship Scarlet and describes bright scarlet flower spikes above narrow, dark bronzy-green leaves and black stems in summer and autumn. [PanAmerican Seed’s exact selection profile](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/039402933004940/lobelia-starship-scarlet/) lists a 20–24 inch height, 8–12 inch width, full-sun exposure, and hardiness zones 6a–10b. ## Garden use Use the vertical flower spikes at the middle or back of a sunny border, or as a focal plant in a larger container. The breeder recommends 14–16 inches between plants, giving each clump room to develop and keeping the flowers visible among neighboring perennials. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and soil that holds moisture while still draining. The breeder notes that Starship Scarlet prefers warmth, humidity, and moisture, while the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/506861/lobelia-%C3%97-speciosa-pas905521/details) lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soil types. Water during dry spells, especially in containers, rather than allowing the root zone to dry out. ## Maintenance Keep moisture steady through the summer flowering period and check container plants frequently in hot weather. Remove spent flower stems as their display ends to keep the clump presentable and make room for later stems.