Blue Shades Lupine

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-18 Inches

Mature Spread

6-18 Inches

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Blue Shades Lupine features tall spikes of blue, blue-violet, and ivory pea-like flowers, along with green palmate leaves. Attracting butterflies and bees with its lovely blooms, Lupinus polyphyllus 'Lupini Blue Shades’ flowers from the beginning to the middle of summer. In addition to its superb flowers and foliage, this herbaceous perennial also fixes nitrogen and improves soil fertility. Cold hardy in zones 4-8, this adaptable, low-maintenance ornamental adds bright color, texture, and height to landscapes across the US. It is a dwarf variety and grows easily in containers to add drama to smaller spaces such as patios and decks.

Native to North America, Blue Shades Lupine grows in a medium, upright, mound. It is deer and rabbit resistant and drought tolerant once established. Plant Blue Shades with other perennials in mixed borders, or “paint” a blue swath by planting en masse in beds. Create focal interest by using this plant as a thriller in a container with petunias and allium. Its compact size, high-volume color, and adaptability make it the perfect choice for gardeners wanting to enhance pollinator, rock, cutting, and cottage gardens.  

Blue Shades Lupine Care

Plant Blue Shades during spring in full sun to partial shade. Blue Shades Lupine grows in moist, rich soil that’s slightly acidic and drains well. Improve poorly draining and nutrient-deficient soil with compost. This perennial requires one inch of water per week. To reduce water loss in sunnier locations, apply an inch or two of mulch. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring to support blooming.

To encourage continued flowering, deadhead old, faded blooms. Cut back all growth to an inch or two above the soil and mulch during autumn to prepare for winter. 

For container plants, water deeply when the top one to two inches of soil are dry, and apply a low-nitrogen (1-3-1) liquid fertilizer designed for tomatoes.  

Blue Shades Lupine Spacing

Space plants 10-14 inches apart in borders and beds. To attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, plant Blue Shades in a pollinator garden with catmint, verbena, bee balm, borage, and lavender. To create charming bouquets, trim Blue Shades Lupine’s stems and mix them with lilies, roses, and daisies. The tall blue-violet spikes of flowers give the bouquet height and shape.

SKU:

1231012275-pc