Lobelia Starship Blue

Description and Characteristics

Lobelia speciosa 'Starship Blue' is a compact, upright, clump-forming perennial known for its intensely rich blue-violet flowers and bronzed green foliage. It is part of the Starship Series, a modern breeding line selected for improved hardiness, longer flowering, and compact growth. This variety is particularly notable for its uniform shape and early, prolific blooming.

Reaching 60–75 cm in height and spreading 30–40 cm, ‘Starship Blue’ offers striking colour and form in the garden from mid-summer into early autumn. The tubular, two-lipped flowers are arranged densely on vertical flower spikes, providing a long-lasting show. Its deep colouring adds depth and contrast to mixed borders and is particularly valuable in pollinator-friendly planting schemes.

• Deep blue to violet-blue blooms with upright flower spikes

• Bronze-tinged foliage offers contrast even before flowering

• Flowering period: July to September

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

• Compact, upright habit ideal for borders, water’s edge, and containers

• Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9 / RHS H5 to H6 (tolerates approx. -15°C to -23°C with protection)

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Lobelia 'Starship Blue' is adaptable and relatively easy to grow if moisture is consistent. It prefers a cool root zone and performs well in moist but well-drained soil with adequate nutrition and partial shelter from extreme heat.

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Grows well in full sun to partial shade

  • In hot climates, partial afternoon shade helps preserve flower colour and foliage quality

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, fertile, humus-rich soil

  • Tolerates loam, clay-loam, and sandy-loam if well-drained and consistently moist

  • Not suitable for drought-prone, dry, or overly compacted soil

• Watering Requirements:

  • Requires consistent moisture—do not allow the soil to dry out

  • Especially important during flowering season and in containers

  • Apply mulch in spring to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds

• Fertilising:

  • Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Supplement with a liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during flowering for best results

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming

  • Cut back stems to the base after flowering is finished or in late autumn

  • In spring, remove any frost-damaged or old growth to encourage healthy new shoots

• Winter Care:

  • Apply a thick mulch layer in autumn to protect the crown in colder regions

  • Avoid excessive winter wetness—ensure soil is free-draining

  • In colder zones, consider lifting and overwintering in frost-free conditions or protecting with fleece

Garden Design, Companions, and Pest Resistance

‘Starship Blue’ brings strong vertical form and saturated colour to summer and autumn borders. Its refined habit and vivid hue suit a wide range of garden designs, from traditional cottage gardens to contemporary wildlife plantings.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for moist borders, cottage gardens, bog gardens, pollinator plantings, and containers

  • Use in drifts or groups for impact, especially alongside silver or lime foliage

  • Provides late-season structure and colour in mixed beds

• Companion Plants:

  • Complements astilbe, ligularia, hosta, persicaria, and echinacea

  • Looks stunning with ornamental grasses, dark-leaved dahlias, or silver-foliage perennials

  • Pairs well with other moisture-loving perennials for streamside or rain garden planting

• Wildlife Value:

  • Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

  • Contributes to pollinator biodiversity and beneficial insect support

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest- and disease-resistant

  • May occasionally attract slugs and snails when young

  • Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent crown rot

  • Space plants to allow airflow and reduce the risk of mildew or leaf spot

• Container Cultivation:

  • Grows very well in large pots with moisture-retentive compost

  • Ensure good drainage and water consistently

  • Ideal as a patio centrepiece or focal point in summer displays

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.