Starship® Scarlet Cardinal Flower

Plant in spring or fall in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade to full sun, spacing 12–18 inches apart. Starship Scarlet is a compact cardinal flower with brilliant scarlet-red flower spikes that attract hummingbirds from midsummer through early fall. Cardinal flower requires consistently moist to wet conditions — it is excellent near water features and in rain gardens. Incorporate compost and water well.

Keep soil consistently moist to wet throughout the growing season — cardinal flower will not tolerate drought. Divide every two to three years in spring to maintain vigor. Remove spent flower spikes after bloom. Fertilize lightly in spring. The brilliant scarlet-red flowers are among the most attractive to hummingbirds of any native plant. The compact Starship habit makes this an excellent, manageable cardinal flower for smaller garden settings and rain gardens.