Chandelier Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Chandelier'

Plants that Work®

Golden-Yellow Flower Spikes Shaped Like an Elegant Chandelier Light up Spring Gardens
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$29⁷⁸

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Chandelier Lupine thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light to produce those iconic tall yellow spikes. In hotter climates, providing afternoon shade helps prevent the foliage from wilting during the peak heat of the day.
Soil: These plants prefer organically rich, slightly acidic soil that drains quickly. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost or peat moss to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during the winter will likely cause the crown to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Lupine twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist while the deep taproot establishes itself. Once mature, the plant can handle short periods of drought, but inconsistent watering often leads to smaller flower spikes and premature browning of the lower leaves. Aim to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent powdery mildew.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on new growth, so you should deadhead spent flower spikes immediately after they fade to encourage a potential second flush of blooms. Think of this like a "energy save" mode for the plant; by removing the fading flowers, you stop the plant from wasting resources on seed production. In late autumn, cut the entire plant back to the ground after the foliage has turned brown to keep the garden tidy and remove any overwintering pests.

Fertilizer Needs

Lupines are legumes and actually fix their own nitrogen from the air, so they require very little supplemental feeding. Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as new growth emerges to support the heavy blooming stage. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this promotes soft leafy growth that is highly susceptible to aphids and may not harden off properly before the first frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Native, Attracts pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Non-invasive, Fast-growing, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	2-3 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Lupinus polyphyllus 'Chandelier'
Species	polyphyllus
Cultivar	Chandelier
Class	Magnoliopsida, Fabidae
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Chandelier Lupine – A Soft Gold Beacon

Light up your spring garden with the Chandelier Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'Chandelier'), also known as Yellow Bush Lupine, is a striking perennial that dazzles with golden-yellow flower spikes that resemble an elegant chandelier! Chandelier Lupine holds ecological significance, providing nectar for pollinators and acting as a host plant for butterflies while also being deer-resistant.

Its fragrant blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while its silvery-green, palmate foliage adds an evergreen-like presence in mild climates. The finely textured foliage and multi-branching stems lend a soft, airy appearance, making it a graceful yet bold presence in the garden.

With an upright, bushy habit reaching 24-30 inches tall when in bloom and 15-18 inches wide, Chandelier Lupine creates a stunning focal point in wildflower gardens, coastal landscapes, and naturalized areas. The long spikes of pea-like flowers bloom prolifically in late spring to early summer, giving way to fuzzy seed pods that can self-sow in ideal conditions.

Key Features

Soft golden-yellow, pea-like flower spikes from late spring to early summer
Bushy, multi-stemmed form reaching 3-6 feet tall and wide
Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
Drought-tolerant and nitrogen-fixing, improving soil quality
Deer-resistant and salt-tolerant, ideal for coastal landscapes
Native to California, excellent for naturalized and wildflower gardens

Landscaping Uses

Chandelier Lupine is a bushy, fast-growing perennial, making it a fantastic choice for adding vertical interest and vibrant color. It is an excellent choice for xeric landscapes and coastal gardens, where it tolerates salt spray and windy conditions. This is a fast-growing Pea-family relative! Making it a nitrogen-fixing beauty that is native to coastal California and thrives in sandy soils, where its deep roots stabilize dunes and prevent erosion.

Perfect for coastal gardens, tolerating wind, salt, and sandy soil
Ideal for wildflower meadows and pollinator gardens
Works well in xeric and drought-tolerant landscapes
Adds bold color to mixed perennial borders
Stabilizes hillsides, dunes, and erosion-prone areas
Rock gardens and alpine meadows
Great for cottage gardens and informal plantings

Care and Maintenance

As a woody subshrub in warm zones and a perennial in cooler climates, Chandelier Lupine is a low-maintenance yet showy plant that thrives with minimal care. Highly adaptable and drought-tolerant once established, this hardy Lupine thrives in USDA zones 4-8, favoring full sun and well-draining, sandy or loamy soils.

Planting Time: Best planted in fall or early spring
Sun Needs: Full sun is needed for the best flowering
Soil Needs: Prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil. Has good salt-tolerant, but does not tolerate heavy clay
Moisture Needs: Regular moisture access is needed for new plants. But Lupines are drought-tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
Mulch: A 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch helps retain moisture in dry conditions
Fertilization Needs: Not required; as a nitrogen-fixer, it enriches the soil naturally
Pruning Info: Light pruning after blooming encourages a compact shape and may extend flowering
Deadheading: Trim back old flowers and stems in late winter to promote fresh growth
Special Features: Resistant to deer

Golden Glow for Your Garden

Add a touch of sunlit brilliance to your landscape with Chandelier Lupine! Its luminous yellow blooms, fast growth, and resilience make it a must-have for pollinator-friendly, coastal, or drought-tolerant gardens. Whether stabilizing slopes or brightening a wildflower meadow, this stunning Lupine delivers both beauty and ecological benefits.

Order now from Nature Hills Nursery, and we’ll ship your Chandelier Lupine at the perfect planting time for your growing zone!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chandelier Lupine invasive?

While it can self-sow in ideal conditions, Chandelier Lupine is not typically considered invasive outside of its native range. However, in some coastal areas, it may spread aggressively, so deadheading spent flowers can help control its spread. Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ to only ship these plants where they will not get into trouble.

Can Chandelier Lupine grow in clay soil?

No, this plant prefers sandy, well-draining soils and does not tolerate heavy clay, which can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy, consider amending it with sand or planting in raised beds.

How long does Chandelier Lupine live?

It is typically a short-lived perennial or subshrub, often lasting 3-5 years. However, it readily reseeds itself in favorable conditions, maintaining a presence in the landscape!

Chandelier Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Chandelier'