Proven Winners® Staircase™ Yellow Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Yellow'
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Proven Winners® Staircase™ Yellow Lupine - #2 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
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- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Proven Winners® Staircase™ Yellow Lupine highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer, Late Spring
Growing Zones
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Staircase™ Yellow Lupine rebloom?
Yes! Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages a second flush of blooms later in the season.
Is this variety of Lupine deer resistant?
Yes, Lupines are generally unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to their bitter-tasting foliage.
Can I grow Staircase™ Yellow Lupine in warm climates?
Lupines thrive in cooler climates (zones 4-8) and may struggle in areas with hot summers and high humidity.
Can Lupines be grown in containers?
While possible, Lupines prefer garden beds due to their deep taproots, which can struggle in confined spaces.
