The Governor Lupine

The Governor Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'The Governor') is a striking, tall perennial that brings a wave of vibrant ultramarine blue and white bicolor blooms to the garden! This eye-catching Lupine boasts densely packed flower spikes that rise above lush, palmate foliage, creating a spectacular floral display in late spring to early summer.

With a strong vertical presence, this herbaceous perennial reaches about 3-4 feet tall and spreads up to 18 inches wide, forming a tidy clump. Its deeply cut, green leaves are a stunning backdrop to the bold spikes of pea-like flowers. As the blooms fade, ornamental seed pods develop, adding further interest to the plant. In autumn, the foliage may take on golden hues before dying back for winter dormancy, only to return bigger and better in spring.

Symbolizing imagination and happiness, and native to North America, Lupines thrive in cooler climates and are well-adapted to temperate regions. This stately perennial is a fantastic addition to borders, meadows, and cottage gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and ecological benefits.

Key Features

• Tall, upright spikes of bold blue and white bicolor flowers
• Blooms in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators
• Herbaceous perennial that returns annually
• Deep green, palmate foliage for season-long interest
• Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil
• Cold hardy and well-suited for temperate climates

Landscaping Uses

Known for its classic cottage garden charm and alpine meadow aesthetic, The Governor is also a pollinator magnet, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blossoms. The Governor Lupine is a commanding presence in garden beds and borders.

• Ideal for cottage gardens and wildflower meadows
• Adds vertical interest in perennial borders
• Pairs beautifully with Larkspur, Delphiniums, and Peonies
• Great for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Perfect for Rock Gardens, Cottage Gardens, and Perennial borders
• Suitable for naturalized areas and pollinator-friendly gardens
• Salt-tolerant, ideal for coastal landscapes.
• Deep tap roots make them drought-tolerant and prevent erosion

Care and Maintenance

As an herbaceous perennial native to coastal California, The Governor Lupine is a reliable garden favorite with easy care requirements. The Governor excels in full sun and prefers well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Lupines like The Governor have a long history of being grown for their soil-enriching properties, as they fix nitrogen into the ground, improving the health of surrounding plants.

• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or fall.
• Sun Needs: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light), but tolerates part shade in hotter growing zones.
• Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; dislikes heavy clay. Can be drought-tolerant once established.
• Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; does not tolerate soggy soil
• Mulch: A 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilization Needs: Minimal fertilization needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent floppy growth.
• Pruning Info: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second flush of blooms. Trim stems and foliage back in the fall after the first frost for a tidy winter dormancy.

Special Perks: Deer and rabbit resistant, improves soil by fixing nitrogen, tolerates saline/coastal conditions.

A Striking Choice For A Grand Garden

The Governor Lupine commands attention with its tall, striking flower spikes and bold blue-and-white color scheme. Whether you're looking to enhance your pollinator garden, create a showy border, or add a regal touch to your perennial beds, this stately Lupine is a must-have!

Order yours today from Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll ship it at the perfect time for your growing zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Lupines come back every year?
Yes, The Governor Lupine is a hardy herbaceous perennial that returns each spring. These can tend to be shorter lived perennials, but they readily self-seed and spread into colonies.

Can Lupines tolerate heat?
Lupines prefer cooler climates and may struggle in extreme summer heat, especially in hot, humid regions.

Do Lupines spread?
Lupines can self-seed under the right conditions, but they do not spread aggressively.

How do I encourage more blooms on my Lupine?
Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second wave of blooms later in the season.