Proven Winners® Staircase™ Blue Lupine

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.

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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!

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.

Why order from Nature Hills Nursery?

Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!