Is Lobelia Starship Scarlet a Perennial?

With its vibrant scarlet-red blooms and green foliage, Lobelia Starship Scarlet makes a dramatic statement in the garden. This popular variety is part of the Starship series of lobelias known for their prolific flowering and strong branching habits. But is Lobelia Starship Scarlet a true perennial or just an annual in disguise? Let’s take a closer look at the life cycle of this eye-catching flower.

The Starship Series of Lobelias

The Starship series was developed by Kieft Seed Company to improve upon other lobelia varieties. Three cultivars are part of the series – Lobelia Starship Blue Lobelia Starship Deep Rose, and Lobelia Starship Scarlet. They were bred to bloom earlier and produce more flowers on sturdier plants compared to older lobelia types.

In addition to vivid flower colors, the Starship lobelias feature contrasting dark foliage that makes the blooms pop even more. All three varieties have similar cultural requirements and add long-lasting color to gardens, window boxes and container plantings.

Traits of Lobelia Starship Scarlet

Of the varieties, Lobelia Starship Scarlet truly steals the show with its brilliant red blooms accented by deep green leaves. The eye-catching flowers have a subtle white throat and bloom from midsummer into early fall. The red flowers contrast beautifully with the dark stems and foliage.

This compact selection reaches about 10-14 inches tall and spreads 14-16 inches wide. It has an upright mounded form and combines nicely with other annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its blossoms.

Is Lobelia Starship Scarlet a Perennial?

Lobelia Starship Scarlet is often described by growers as a “first year flowering perennial.” This means it blooms the first year from seed, but may or may not overwinter successfully and return the following year. So it doesn’t quite fit the definition of a true perennial

The Starship series was bred primarily as an annual bedding plant. While Starship Scarlet may survive a mild winter and rebloom the next year, it is not dependably winter hardy. Zones 6-10 are recommended, but even in zone 6 it may die out over winter. Regions with harsh winters can count on treating it as an annual.

Caring for Lobelia Starship Scarlet

On the plus side, Lobelia Starship Scarlet is easy to grow from seed started indoors or directly sown in the garden after frost. It thrives in a site with full sun to partial shade and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid wet or poorly drained sites.

Once established, Starship Scarlet has moderate water needs. Allow the soil surface to dry out slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly to fuel flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Watch for signs of powdery mildew, a common disease.

In very mild winter regions, plants that survive can be cut back after a hard frost. Mulch to insulate plant crowns. Fertilize in spring to boost regrowth. Division may help rejuvenate overwintered plants.

Grow as an Annual or “Tender Perennial”

The bottom line – even though Lobelia Starship Scarlet may act as a short-lived perennial in very favorable climates, it is best grown as an annual in most regions. Fortunately, it is easy and fast to grow from seed sown directly in the garden after all danger of frost.

You can also get a jump on the season by starting seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Transplant seedlings out once the weather warms. This ensures you’ll get the maximum bloom time from these beauties during their first year in the garden.

Companion Planting Ideas

The bold red flowers of Lobelia Starship Scarlet look fantastic combined with cool blues, oranges, whites and pinks. Here are some suggested companion plants:

• White and pink verbenas
• Orange or yellow marigolds
• Blue or purple salvias
• Purple angelonias
• White astilbes
• Pink or white flowering tobacco
• Blue or purple fountain grass

Use Lobelia Starship Scarlet in mixed flower beds and borders, window boxes, hanging baskets or container plantings. It also adds a pop of color along walkways, in rock gardens and as edging plants. For optimal impact, mass several plants together.

Overwintering Tips (If Attempting)

Gardeners in zones 7 or warmer who want to try overwintering Lobelia Starship Scarlet can boost success with a few strategies:

• Choose the sunniest, most protected spot in your garden.

• Apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer after first hard frost to insulate plant crowns.

• Prune plants back to 6 inches tall in late fall so less top growth is exposed.

• Cover beds with a cold frame, hoops or protective fabric to shield from winter precipitation.

• Remove mulch and dead growth in spring as new shoots emerge.

Alternatives If It Doesn’t Overwinter

Don’t despair if your Lobelia Starship Scarlet fails to make it through the winter. Simply replant the following spring to enjoy those sunset-hued blooms again. Here are some alternatives that are hardy perennials:

• Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower) – Showy red spikes in late summer.

• Lobelia siphilitica – Blue flower spikes on upright plants. Native wildflower.

• Monarda didyma (Bee balm) – Red or pink shaggy blooms that attract pollinators.

• Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) – Old-fashioned appeal with tall spires of flowers. Biennial.

• Kniphofia (Red hot poker) – Bold erect flower spikes in fiery colors.

The Takeaway

While Lobelia Starship Scarlet may act as a short-lived perennial in the mildest winter regions, its reliable best performance will come when grown as a fast and floriferous annual. This ensures you get the most out of its vivid red blooms each season. By starting early indoors or direct sowing, you’ll enjoy months of color in beds, borders and containers from this standout Starship variety.