Staircase™ Orange Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Orange'

Proven Winners®

Staircase™ Orange Lupine Reblooms Fall for Extended Fiery Color Display
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Orange Blooms From Early Summer to Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$49⁸⁹

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure the most vibrant orange blooms and sturdy stems. In warmer growing zones, a spot with afternoon shade is beneficial to protect the plant from intense heat.
Soil: These plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. If you are gardening in heavy clay, amend the soil with organic matter or plant in raised beds to accommodate their long taproots and prevent rot.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the establishment period, checking daily to ensure the root ball doesn't dry out. Once established, they still prefer regular watering, especially during the bloom cycle; inconsistent moisture often causes flower buds to drop or leads to powdery mildew issues.

Pruning Tips

Remove the spent flower spikes immediately after the first flush of blooms fades to encourage this reblooming variety to produce a second show later in the season. Perform a general cleanup in early spring by cutting back any winter-damaged foliage to the ground to make way for fresh, vigorous growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a phosphorus-rich formula in early spring as new growth begins to appear. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers because Lupines naturally fix their own nitrogen; adding extra will create lush, leafy growth at the expense of your flowers.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Staircase™ Orange Lupine – Vibrant Fiery Blooms

Elevate your garden with the brightly colored Proven Winners® Staircase™ Orange Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'Staircase Orange') sets the garden ablaze with its striking, spire-like flowers in shades of deep orange, apricot, and coral!

This reblooming beauty graces the landscape with vertical elegance, offering a dramatic display in late spring to early summer with a possible encore in fall. Pollinators can't resist its nectar-rich blooms, making it a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plus, its fragrant flowers add an extra sensory delight!

This perennial forms a lush, bushy mound of palmate, deep green foliage that serves as the perfect backdrop for its towering floral spikes. In folklore, Lupines symbolize imagination and happiness, bringing a sense of joy to any garden they grace.

Key Features

Stunning fiery orange, apricot, and coral flower spikes
Blooms in late spring to early summer, with possible fall rebloom
Fragrant and highly attractive to pollinators
Thrives in USDA Zones 4-8
Nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil health
Tolerates drought once established

Landscaping Uses

Staircase™ Orange Lupine adds vertical drama with its tall flower spikes and bushy green foliage, making it an excellent choice for mixed beds and borders. Reaching 24 inches tall and about 24 inches wide, its bold presence is perfect for back borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows.

Cottage gardens for an old-fashioned charm
Wildflower meadows for a naturalized look
Pollinator gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Mixed perennial borders and Rock Gardens for bold, vertical accents
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

A member of the Pea family, and native to California, this Lupine thrives in cooler climates and performs best in USDA Zones 4-8. It prefers well-drained soils and enjoys full sun to partial shade. Its deep taproot makes it highly drought-tolerant once established, and it even enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen! As an herbaceous perennial, this Lupine returns each spring with vigor.

Planting Time: Spring or fall.
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or slightly acidic soil. The deep tap root does not tolerate heavy clay or poor drainage.
Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture needs; drought-tolerant once established.
Mulch: 3-4 inches of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen.
Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding. In fall, trim back the foliage.
Renewal Pruning: Cut back in fall after foliage dies back.
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:

Deer and rabbit resistant
Nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil health
Prefers cool weather; may struggle in hot, humid climates
Handles sandy and rocky soils well

Fiery Spikes for a Show-Stopping Garden

Lupines have long been a favorite of cottage gardeners and wildflower lovers, and Staircase™ Orange Lupine takes that admiration to new heights with its dazzling fiery tones and reblooming nature. Whether you're looking to create a pollinator paradise or simply add a vibrant splash of color, this perennial is a must-have.

Order this Proven Winners® selection now from Nature Hills Nursery and get ready to enjoy a breathtaking floral show!

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Staircase™ Orange Lupine perennial and will it come back every year?

Yes, Staircase™ Orange Lupine is a true perennial that returns annually in USDA Zones 4-8. It blooms in late spring to early summer with possible fall rebloom, reaching 24 inches tall and wide each season. Plant in well-draining soil for best long-term establishment.

What is the mature height and spread of Staircase™ Orange Lupine?

Staircase™ Orange Lupine reaches 24 inches tall and 24 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for mixed borders and cottage gardens in zones 4-8. Plant it mid-border where its spiky blooms can shine. Shop at Nature Hills for this striking perennial.

Does Staircase™ Orange Lupine require full sun or partial shade?

Staircase™ Orange Lupine performs best in full sun to partial shade conditions. In USDA Zones 4-8, it tolerates some afternoon shade but produces the most vibrant orange blooms with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Plant in a location with morning sun for optimal flowering.

What type of soil does Staircase™ Orange Lupine prefer, including pH?

Staircase™ Orange Lupine prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Like most lupines, it thrives in sandy or loamy soils and struggles in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Ensure good drainage for best performance in zones 4-8.

How much water does Staircase™ Orange Lupine need after it's established?

Once established, Staircase™ Orange Lupine is quite drought-tolerant and needs minimal supplemental watering. Its deep taproot system allows it to access moisture from lower soil levels. Water deeply during extended dry periods, but avoid overwatering which can cause root rot. Find this low-maintenance perennial at naturehills.com.

What are the common pests and diseases affecting Staircase™ Orange Lupine?

Staircase™ Orange Lupine is generally pest and disease resistant but can face aphids and crown rot in poorly drained soils. Slugs may target young foliage in damp conditions. Ensure good drainage and air circulation to prevent fungal issues, and monitor for aphids during peak growing season.

How do I care for Staircase™ Orange Lupine, including deadheading and winter prep?

Staircase™ Orange Lupine thrives in USDA Zones 4-8 with minimal care once established. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage potential fall rebloom. Cut stems back to basal foliage after first frost for winter prep.

Is Staircase™ Orange Lupine shipped as bare root, potted, or dormant plants?

Staircase™ Orange Lupine is typically shipped as potted plants rather than bare root. This hardy perennial for zones 4-8 establishes better when planted from containers. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best results in your garden.