Proven Winners® Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine

Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'Tequila Flame') ignites the landscape with its spectacular spires of fiery orange, red, and yellow bicolor blooms. This standout perennial from the Westcountry™ Lupine series is a floriferous rebloomer, providing bursts of color from late spring through early summer and often offering a second flush in late summer.

It boasts strong, upright stems that keep the vibrant blooms standing tall, making it perfect for cut flower arrangements. Plus, its fragrant flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds! This hardy herbaceous perennial forms an attractive clumping habit, reaching 2-3 feet tall and about 2 feet wide.

The deeply lobed, palmate foliage is a lush green that provides a stunning contrast to the flame-colored blossoms. As summer transitions to fall, the seed pods develop, attracting birds and adding seasonal interest.

A cool-season bloomer that thrives in zones 5-8, Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine is a standout for northern gardeners, handling chilly spring temperatures with ease.

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Key Features

• Bicolor blooms in fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow
• Rebloomer, offering a second flush of flowers
• Strong, upright stems perfect for cutting
• Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Lush green palmate foliage adds texture and contrast
• Hardy in zones 5-8, cold-tolerant and long-lived
• Nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil health

Landscaping Uses

Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine adds bold color and vertical interest with its 2-3 foot flower spikes.

• Mixed perennial borders for a burst of fiery hues
• Cottage gardens for a traditional yet eye-catching addition
• Pollinator gardens to support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Cut flower gardens for long-lasting, stunning arrangements
• Meadow-style plantings for a naturalistic effect
• Containers as a dramatic thriller plant
• The deep tap roots help prevent erosion
• Rock Gardens, xeric landscapes, alpine gardens, and meadow plantings

Care and Maintenance

This herbaceous perennial is cold-hardy, sun-loving, and an easy-care beauty with a preference for cooler climates.

Originating from Lupinus polyphyllus, native to western North America, this hybrid variety is known for its superior bloom power and resistance to disease. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and benefits from deadheading to encourage repeat flowering. Lupines have deep tap roots that are also nitrogen-fixers, improving soil health, while dazzling with their floral display.

• Planting Time: Spring or early fall for best establishment.
• Sun Needs: Full sun for optimal blooming (minimum 6 hours).
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soil; does not tolerate heavy clay.
• Moisture Needs: Moderate; water regularly in dry spells, but avoid soggy soil.
• Mulch: A 3-4 inch layer of bark mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilization Needs: Low; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excess foliage growth and reduced flowering.
• Pruning Info: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding.
• Renewal Pruning: Cut back to basal foliage in fall to maintain vigor.
• Special Needs/Perks:
• Highly deer and rabbit-resistant
• Nitrogen-fixing
• Cold-hardy
• Resists many pests

Set Your Garden Ablaze with Tequila Flame!

With its sizzling bicolor blooms and towering spires, the Proven Winners® Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine brings fiery drama to the garden while supporting pollinators. Whether in borders, wildflower meadows, or as a dazzling cut flower, this vibrant perennial is a must-have for any garden that craves bold color and charm.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Lupines come back every year?
Yes! Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine is a hardy herbaceous perennial, returning bigger and better each spring.

Will Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine bloom more than once?
Yes! With regular deadheading, this variety often reblooms in late summer.

Is Tequila Flame Lupine deer-resistant?
Yes, deer and rabbits tend to avoid Lupines due to their slightly toxic foliage.

Can I grow Lupines in containers?
Yes! While they prefer garden beds, Lupines can thrive in large, very deep containers with well-draining soil.

How do I prevent my Lupine from flopping over?
Westcountry™ Tequila Flame Lupine has strong stems, but plant in full sun and avoid over-fertilizing to keep them upright.