Proven Winners® Staircase™ Red Lupine

The Proven Winners® Staircase™ Red Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Red') is a showstopping perennial with spires of deep red, pea-like flowers that rise dramatically above lush, palmate foliage. This hybrid Lupine is bred for repeat blooming, gracing the garden with its vibrant display in late spring to early summer and often reblooming in cooler climates. Not only is it a pollinator magnet, drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but it also boasts deer resistance and thrives in a wide range of garden settings.

This perennial forms a robust clump with upright, architectural growth, reaching about 18-24 inches tall and wide. The deeply divided, green palmate leaves provide a striking contrast to the bold flower spikes. When temperatures drop in the fall, the foliage dies back, only to return bigger and better each spring. As a member of the Pea family, it improves soil by fixing nitrogen, making it a valuable companion plant.

Key Features

• Striking red flower spires that rebloom in favorable conditions
• Pollinator-friendly – attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Deer and rabbit resistant – less likely to be browsed
• Fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving garden fertility
• Drought tolerant once established, but enjoys moderate moisture
• Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant, thriving in USDA zones 4-8

Landscaping Uses

With its upright, clump-forming habit reaching 18-24 inches tall, Staircase™ Red Lupine is an excellent choice for dramatic garden displays! A favorite among cottage gardeners and native plant enthusiasts alike, Staircase™ Red Lupine brings a touch of wild beauty to garden beds, borders, and naturalized areas.

• Perfect for perennial borders and cut flower gardens
• A stunning backdrop for shorter perennials and spring bulbs
• Adds height and texture to cottage gardens and wildlife plantings
• Ideal for Rock Gardens and wildflower, meadow plantings
• Pairs beautifully with Foxglove, Delphinium, and Ornamental Grasses
• The deep tap roots make them drought-tolerant and prevent erosion
• Mass plantings for a striking seasonal display
• Salt-tolerant and ideal for coastal landscapes.

Care and Maintenance

As an herbaceous perennial native to California, Staircase™ Red Lupine thrives in well-draining soil and benefits from routine deadheading to encourage reblooming. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, this heat- and cold-tolerant perennial flourishes in full sun to partial shade, especially in cooler summer regions.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is best.
• Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun).
• Soil Needs: Prefers rich, well-drained soil; tolerates sandy and loamy soils.
• Moisture Needs: Moderate; water regularly during dry spells. Once established, its deep root system allows it to tolerate drier conditions.
• Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
• Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming; cut back to ground level in fall.
• Special Needs/Perks:
• Fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants
• Tolerates sandy and loamy soils but dislikes heavy clay
• Cold-hardy and moderately heat-tolerant
• Resistant to deer and rabbits
• Does not transplant well due to the taproot

A Staircase To Garden Glory

The Proven Winners® Staircase™ Red Lupine is a must-have for gardeners who love bold color and architectural beauty. Its vibrant red spires add drama to the landscape while providing essential nectar for pollinators. With its ability to rebloom, resist deer, and enrich the soil, this perennial is as practical as it is beautiful.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Staircase™ Red Lupine bloom?
This variety blooms in late spring to early summer and may rebloom in cooler climates if deadheaded regularly.

Will Staircase™ Red Lupine return each year?
Yes! It's a hardy perennial that dies back in winter and returns each spring with even more vigor.

Can Lupines grow in clay soil?
Lupines prefer well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and struggle in heavy clay. Amending with organic matter can improve drainage.

Do I need to stake Staircase™ Red Lupine?
In most cases, no. Its sturdy stems hold up well, but in windy areas or very rich soil, staking may help prevent flopping.

Does Staircase™ Red Lupine spread?
It does not aggressively spread, but it may self-seed lightly in optimal conditions, creating a naturalized look over time. Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ to protect sensitive areas by blocking shipments into those locations.