Starship Blue may be going where no Lobelia has gone before: it flowers early and abundantly and exhibits a uniform, controlled habit and improved branching.

This cardinal flower’s sturdy spires brimming with butterfly-shaped, very nearly true-blue blooms aloft vibrant green foliage produce a powerful impact in a small space. Its stunning appearance and columnar form make it a popular choice for a garden border, but it mixes well with annuals and perennials. The flowers are also a fun addition to cut bouquets.

This sun lover prefers higher temperatures, humidity, and moist soils, so in dryer areas a little shade doesn’t hurt, and if you keep them well watered, you will be well rewarded with a long-lasting, lively display that attracts butterflies and bees from early summer through mid-fall.