The Governor Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus 'The Governor'

$29⁹⁹

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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

Brand

Plants That Work
Botanical Name

Lupinus polyphyllus 'The Governor'
Growing Zones

3 - 6
Mature Height

3 - 4 Feet
Mature Spread

12 - 18 Inches
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Medium
Soil

Well Drained Soil
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

Purple, White
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Pruning Time

Early Spring
Bloom Period

Summer, Late Spring

Growing Zones

Find Your Growing Zone!

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.