The Governor Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'The Governor'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
The Governor Lupine - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
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
The Governor 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
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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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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer, Late Spring
Growing Zones
The Governor Lupine - A Two-Tone Gem!
The Governor Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus 'The Governor') is a striking, tall perennial that brings a wave of vibrant ultramarine blue and white bicolor blooms to the garden! This eye-catching Lupine boasts densely packed flower spikes that rise above lush, palmate foliage, creating a spectacular floral display in late spring to early summer.
With a strong vertical presence, this herbaceous perennial reaches about 3-4 feet tall and spreads up to 18 inches wide, forming a tidy clump. Its deeply cut, green leaves are a stunning backdrop to the bold spikes of pea-like flowers. As the blooms fade, ornamental seed pods develop, adding further interest to the plant. In autumn, the foliage may take on golden hues before dying back for winter dormancy, only to return bigger and better in spring.
Symbolizing imagination and happiness, and native to North America, Lupines thrive in cooler climates and are well-adapted to temperate regions. This stately perennial is a fantastic addition to borders, meadows, and cottage gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and ecological benefits.
Key Features
- Tall, upright spikes of bold blue and white bicolor flowers
- Blooms in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators
- Herbaceous perennial that returns annually
- Deep green, palmate foliage for season-long interest
- Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil
- Cold hardy and well-suited for temperate climates
Landscaping Uses
Known for its classic cottage garden charm and alpine meadow aesthetic, The Governor is also a pollinator magnet, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blossoms. The Governor Lupine is a commanding presence in garden beds and borders.
- Ideal for cottage gardens and wildflower meadows
- Adds vertical interest in perennial borders
- Pairs beautifully with Larkspur, Delphiniums, and Peonies
- Great for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Perfect for Rock Gardens, Cottage Gardens, and Perennial borders
- Suitable for naturalized areas and pollinator-friendly gardens
- Salt-tolerant, ideal for coastal landscapes.
- Deep tap roots make them drought-tolerant and prevent erosion
Care and Maintenance
As an herbaceous perennial native to coastal California, The Governor Lupine is a reliable garden favorite with easy care requirements. The Governor excels in full sun and prefers well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Lupines like The Governor have a long history of being grown for their soil-enriching properties, as they fix nitrogen into the ground, improving the health of surrounding plants.
- Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or fall.
- Sun Needs: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light), but tolerates part shade in hotter growing zones.
- Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; dislikes heavy clay. Can be drought-tolerant once established.
- Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; does not tolerate soggy soil
- Mulch: A 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilization Needs: Minimal fertilization needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent floppy growth.
- Pruning Info: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second flush of blooms. Trim stems and foliage back in the fall after the first frost for a tidy winter dormancy.
Special Perks: Deer and rabbit resistant, improves soil by fixing nitrogen, tolerates saline/coastal conditions.
A Striking Choice For A Grand Garden
The Governor Lupine commands attention with its tall, striking flower spikes and bold blue-and-white color scheme. Whether you're looking to enhance your pollinator garden, create a showy border, or add a regal touch to your perennial beds, this stately Lupine is a must-have!
Order yours today from Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll ship it at the perfect time for your growing zone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lupines come back every year?
Yes, The Governor Lupine is a hardy herbaceous perennial that returns each spring. These can tend to be shorter lived perennials, but they readily self-seed and spread into colonies.
Can Lupines tolerate heat?
Lupines prefer cooler climates and may struggle in extreme summer heat, especially in hot, humid regions.
Do Lupines spread?
Lupines can self-seed under the right conditions, but they do not spread aggressively.
How do I encourage more blooms on my Lupine?
Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second wave of blooms later in the season.
