Staircase™ Blue Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Blue'

Proven Winners®

Staircase™ Blue Lupine Delivers Towering Spikes of Deep Blue Flowers All Season Long
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Blue, Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$49⁶²

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This variety performs best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily to produce those signature dense flower spikes. While it can handle very light afternoon shade in hotter climates, too much shade results in floppy stems and fewer blooms.
Soil: These plants crave sharp drainage and slightly acidic soil. If you have heavy clay, plant them in a raised bed or incorporate organic compost to ensure water doesn't sit around the crown, which can lead to rot.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the first year to help the deep taproot settle in. Once established, they are moderately drought tolerant, though a lack of water during the budding stage will cause the flowers to wilt or fail to fully develop. Think of consistent moisture as the fuel needed to keep those tall blue towers standing upright and vibrant.

Pruning Tips

Lupines bloom on new wood, so you should deadhead spent flower spikes immediately by cutting the stem back to the foliage line. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and often encourages a second flush of blooms later in the season. Cutting the plant back significantly after the first heavy bloom acts like a refresh, keeping the clump tidy and preventing it from looking ragged in the summer heat.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer early in the spring just as new growth emerges to support the heavy flowering period. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as these will stimulate lush green leaves at the expense of the blue flowers and can make the plant more attractive to aphids. A light hand is best because Lupines are naturally efficient at gathering nutrients through their specialized root systems.

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, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Blue, Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Blue'
Species	polyphyllus
Cultivar	Staircase Blue
Class	Magnoliopsida, Fabidae
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Staircase™ Blue Lupine – Stunning Blue Blooms

Incredible Proven Winners® Staircase™ Blue Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Blue') is a breathtaking perennial with tall, majestic spikes of deep blue flowers that rise above lush green leaves. This Lupine features deeply divided, palmate leaves that create a striking contrast to its vertical flower spikes.

The rich blue blossoms stand out beautifully against the foliage and can sometimes exhibit hints of violet, adding even more depth to their mesmerizing display. This hybrid Lupine is a standout in the spring and early summer garden, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms.

A compact and well-behaved variety, it reblooms with proper deadheading, providing extended color throughout the season. Growing up to 18-24 inches tall and wide, its upright form makes it ideal for adding height and structure to mixed borders. A favorite in wildflower meadows and perennial beds, it symbolizes imagination and happiness.

Key Features

Stunning deep blue flower spikes in spring and early summer
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Compact, well-behaved habit, reaching 24-36 inches tall
Reblooming with proper deadheading
Nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil quality
Thrives in cooler climates, best in USDA zones 4-8
Beautiful palmate foliage with a lush green presence

Landscaping Uses

With its tall flower spikes and bold colors, Staircase™ Blue Lupine adds vertical interest and cottage garden charm to any landscape. Its upright growth and manageable size make it a great choice for various garden designs.

Staircase™ Blue Lupine is beloved for its ability to thrive in cooler climates, performing best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Like all Lupines, it is a nitrogen-fixer, improving soil health while adding a cottage garden charm.

Use in mixed perennial borders for spring and early summer color
Ideal for Rock Gardens, Cottage Gardens and naturalized wildflower meadows
Plant in mass for a dramatic display of blue hues
Excellent for pollinator gardens and beneficial insect habitats
Salt-tolerant and ideal for coastal landscapes.
Deep tap roots make them drought-tolerant and prevent erosion
Works well in large containers for patios and small-space gardens

Care and Maintenance

Native to coastal California, it flourishes in well-drained soils with good air circulation, making it perfect for temperate gardens and areas with mild summers. As an herbaceous perennial, Staircase™ Blue Lupine dies back in winter but returns year after year with vigor. It prefers cooler conditions and well-drained soil to thrive.

Planting Time: Spring or early fall for best establishment.
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best flower production in full sun).
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils; does not tolerate heavy clay. Handles poor soil and dislikes excessive fertilization.
Moisture Needs: Moderate water; avoid overly wet or soggy conditions.
Mulch/Arborist Mulch: A 3-4 layer of organic, bark mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization Needs: Minimal; Lupines fix their own nitrogen, but a layer of compost in spring is beneficial.
Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming; cut back in fall after dormancy begins. Not necessary, but cutting back foliage in late fall prepares the plant for winter dormancy.
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:

Deer-resistant and relatively pest-free
Improves soil health with nitrogen-fixing abilities
Performs best in cool summer regions with good air circulation

A Stairway to Garden Elegance

Staircase™ Blue Lupine from Proven Winners® is a garden favorite that brings elegance, pollinator appeal, and soil benefits—add it to your garden today! If you're looking to add a dramatic vertical element to your garden, Staircase™ Blue Lupine is a showstopper! With its vivid blue flowers, beneficial nitrogen-fixing abilities, and pollinator-friendly nature, it's a must-have for cottage gardens, meadows, and perennial borders.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Staircase™ Blue Lupine rebloom?

Yes! With proper deadheading, this variety can produce additional flower spikes later in the season.

Is Staircase™ Blue Lupine deer-resistant?

Yes, Lupines are generally unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to their alkaloid content.

What type of soil is best for Lupines?

They prefer well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with good aeration. Heavy clay sites should be amended or avoided.

Can I grow Staircase™ Blue Lupine in containers?

Yes, its compact size makes it a great candidate for large containers with good drainage.

How long does Lupine bloom?

It typically blooms in late spring to early summer, with potential for additional blooms if deadheaded.

Staircase™ Blue Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Blue'