Lobelia Starship Deep Rose

Description and Characteristics

Lobelia speciosa 'Starship Deep Rose' is a bold, upright perennial from the acclaimed Starship Series, developed for compact growth, vigorous flowering, and improved hardiness. This cultivar is distinguished by its intensely vibrant rose-pink flower spikes rising above deep green to bronze-tinged foliage, adding dramatic vertical interest to borders, pond margins, and containers.

Plants typically reach 60–75 cm in height and 30–40 cm in spread, making them ideal for front to mid-border planting. The flowering period extends from mid-summer to early autumn (July to September), with blooms continuing for weeks on end if spent flowers are removed. The tubular, two-lipped flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making this plant as valuable to wildlife as it is visually striking.

• Vivid deep rose-pink flower spikes

• Compact, upright habit with dark green-bronze foliage

• Blooms from July through September

• Excellent nectar source for pollinators

• Ideal for borders, pond edges, rain gardens, and large containers

• Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9 / RHS H5 (approx. -15°C to -20°C with protection)

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Lobelia 'Starship Deep Rose' is easy to grow with basic care, especially when consistent soil moisture is maintained. It performs best in moist, fertile soil and benefits from mulching and shelter in colder climates.

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • In hot climates, partial afternoon shade helps protect foliage from stress

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

  • Performs best in loamy or loam-sandy soils with consistent moisture

  • Not suitable for drought-prone or excessively dry soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather and flowering season

  • Do not allow the plant to dry out—drought stress reduces flowering and foliage quality

  • Mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature

• Fertilising:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Optional: feed every 3–4 weeks during flowering with a liquid bloom booster to enhance performance

• Pruning and Deadheading:

  • Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage rebloom and maintain a tidy appearance

  • Cut back flowering stems in autumn after bloom has finished or in early spring

  • Remove any frost-damaged foliage in spring to promote healthy regrowth

• Winter Protection:

  • In colder zones, apply a thick mulch layer in late autumn to protect the crown

  • Container-grown plants can be moved to a frost-free location during winter

  • Ensure soil is well-drained in winter months to avoid crown rot

Design Applications, Companion Plants, and Pest Resistance

‘Starship Deep Rose’ brings strong seasonal colour and structure to both contemporary and classic garden designs. Its neat growth habit and vivid flowering make it especially valuable in small garden spaces and wildlife-friendly schemes.

• Design Uses:

  • Suitable for mixed perennial borders, moist planting areas, and containers

  • Ideal for cottage gardens, rain gardens, and pollinator-focused plantings

  • Excellent when planted in groups or drifts for visual impact

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with echinacea, rudbeckia, astilbe, persicaria, and salvia

  • Complements foliage plants like heuchera, hosta, or ornamental grasses

  • Works beautifully with other Lobelia Starship varieties for a tonal planting palette

• Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits:

  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

  • An ideal addition to wildlife gardens and biodiversity planting schemes

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to most pests and diseases

  • Slugs and snails may target young plants—protect in early stages

  • Avoid poor drainage to prevent root and crown rot

• Container Planting:

  • Performs well in large pots using a moisture-retentive, well-drained compost

  • Water regularly, especially during hot spells

  • Combine with trailing foliage or low-growing perennials for layered container 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.