Staircase™ Yellow Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Yellow'

Proven Winners®

Proven Winners® Staircase™ Yellow Lupine Delivers Vibrant Golden Spires that Bloom Spring Through Summer
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Early Summer to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$49⁸⁰

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Staircase Yellow Lupine thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce its best bloom. While they can handle some light partial shade, too little sun will result in leggy, weak stems and significantly reduced bloom production.
Soil: The ideal soil is lean, loose, and very well-drained, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If you are dealing with heavy clay, you must amend the area generously with coarse grit and compost to ensure sharp drainage, as these plants will quickly rot in soggy conditions.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, give your new Lupine consistent moisture to help its deep taproot establish; water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Once established, they show good drought tolerance but perform best with supplemental water during hot, dry spells. Inconsistent watering will quickly stress the plant, resulting in smaller, shorter bloom spikes and prematurely browning foliage.

Pruning Tips

Lupines bloom on new wood, and the key to prolonging their show is simple deadheading. Once a flower spike is completely spent, snip the stalk off at the base where it meets the main foliage; this quick action encourages the plant to channel energy into a new flush of side-shoots for repeat blooming. For simple winter cleanup, you can cut the entire plant back to its basal foliage once the leaves yellow in late fall.

Fertilizer Needs

Since Lupines are legumes, they have the fantastic ability to fix their own nitrogen, meaning they are very light feeders and thrive in lean soil. At planting, you can work in a bit of bone meal or a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to support strong root and bloom development. What to avoid is applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer late in the season, as this will only encourage soft, weak foliage growth at the expense of a hardy root system.

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, Partial shade
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	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Yellow'
Species	polyphyllus
Cultivar	Staircase Yellow
Class	Magnoliopsida, Fabidae
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Proven Winners® Staircase™ Yellow Lupine

Few plants capture the wild beauty of nature while boasting the refined grace of a cultivated perennial like Staircase™ Yellow Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Yellow'). Part of the renowned Proven Winners® series, this stunning variety stands tall with its glowing yellow, pea-like flowers that rise in dramatic spires above lush, deeply divided green foliage!

Blooming from late spring through early summer, it not only brings a cheerful golden hue to the garden but also attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Though it dazzles in spring, it may rebloom later in the season if deadheaded, rewarding gardeners with an encore of sunshine-colored spires.

This herbaceous perennial forms upright, statuesque clumps, reaching 18-24 inches tall and wide. Its palmately compound leaves, meaning each leaf resembles an open hand with multiple leaflets, add texture and visual interest even when not in bloom.

Lupines, beloved for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, thrive in cool climates and are best suited for USDA growing zones 4-8.

Key Features

Striking yellow flower spikes in late spring to early summer
Pollinator magnet – attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Compact yet upright growth habit – stays under 2 feet
Reblooms with deadheading, offering extended seasonal interest
Lush, deep green foliage with a unique palmate structure
Improves soil health by fixing nitrogen
Thrives in cooler climates
Salt-tolerant and ideal for coastal landscapes

Landscaping Uses

Highly regarded in alpine gardens, cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator plantings, Staircase™ Yellow Lupine is a beacon of sustainability and beauty, making it a must-have for eco-conscious gardeners. Staircase™ Yellow Lupine adds height, color, and pollinator appeal to garden spaces with its 18-24 inches tall spires of golden yellow blooms.

Stunning in cottage gardens and wildflower meadows
Excellent for pollinator and butterfly gardens
Adds vertical interest in perennial borders
Thrives in Rock Gardens and most, well-drained areas
Perfect for cut flower arrangements
The deep tap roots make them drought-tolerant and prevent erosion
Mass plantings for a striking seasonal display

Care and Maintenance

As a herbaceous perennial, Staircase™ Yellow Lupine appreciates cool temperatures, well-drained soil, and full sun exposure for best performance, but dislikes excessive heat and humidity.

Planting Time – Best planted in early spring or fall
Sun Needs – Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight)
Soil Needs – Prefers rich, well-drained soil; dislikes heavy clay
Moisture Needs – Moderate moisture; does not tolerate drought well
Mulch – Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Fertilization Needs – Generally low-fertilizer needs due to its nitrogen-fixing ability
Pruning Info – Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Cut back to the ground after frost in the fall.
Renewal Pruning – Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring for fresh growth
Special Needs/Perks

Deer and rabbit resistant
Lupines dislike root disturbance, so transplanting is not recommended

Brighten Your Garden With A Golden Glow!

With Staircase™ Yellow Lupine, you get a towering golden spectacle that lights up the garden while enriching the soil. Whether used in wildflower plantings or as a vertical accent in perennial beds, this lupine will bring cheer and charm to any landscape.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does Staircase™ Yellow Lupine grow at maturity?

Staircase™ Yellow Lupine reaches 18-24 inches tall and wide at maturity, forming upright, statuesque clumps. This compact perennial stays under 2 feet, making it perfect for front to mid-border plantings in zones 4-8.

Does this variety rebloom?

Yes, Staircase™ Yellow Lupine will rebloom later in the season if you deadhead the spent flower spikes after its main late spring to early summer show. This reliable reblooming habit extends the golden display well into the growing season. Deadhead promptly after the first flush fades for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Can Staircase™ Yellow Lupine be grown in containers?

Yes, Staircase™ Yellow Lupine grows well in containers given its compact 18-24 inch size. Choose a deep pot (at least 12 inches) to accommodate the taproot, and ensure good drainage since lupines dislike wet feet. Best success in zones 4-8 with cool conditions.

How much moisture does it require?

Staircase™ Yellow Lupine prefers consistent, moderate moisture but is drought-tolerant once established. This perennial thrives in zones 4-8 with well-draining soil that doesn't stay waterlogged. Water regularly during its late spring to early summer bloom period, then reduce frequency as it matures.

What is its cold hardiness temperature?

Staircase™ Yellow Lupine is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, tolerating winter temperatures down to -30°F. This Proven Winners® perennial thrives in cooler climates and benefits from cold winter periods for best flowering. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable cold-hardy lupines.

How should it be mulched?

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around Staircase™ Yellow Lupine, keeping it several inches away from the crown. This cool-climate perennial benefits from mulch that retains moisture while allowing good air circulation. Refresh the mulch each spring before the late spring bloom period.

Staircase™ Yellow Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Yellow'