Westcountry™ Beefeater Lupine

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Westcountry™ Beefeater Lupine delivers saturated, true red flower spikes that hold their color from bud to finish. The intense red color is uncommon in lupines and is offset by subtle yellow flecks tucked within thick, densely packed spires. 'Beefeater' grows 24–36 inches tall and about 24 inches wide. Selected within the Westcountry™ breeding line for uniform color and strong stems, it creates a bold vertical exclamation point in late spring gardens. The upright habit is substantial without feeling coarse, thanks to finely divided green foliage at the base. 

Flowering in late spring to early summer, Lupinus polyphyllus ‘Beefeater’ draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees while mostly being avoided by deer and rabbits. The saturated red pairs beautifully with silvers, blues, and ornamental grasses, making it versatile in both cottage-style and contemporary plantings. Its sturdy stems make it dependable for cutting, holding well in arrangements without collapsing. Used in groups, it creates a dramatic sweep of vertical color that carries the eye upward.

Westcountry™ Beefeater Lupine Care

Provide full sun to light part sun, with at least six hours of direct light for sturdy stems and strong flowering. Soil must drain freely and should lean slightly acidic, ideally between pH 6.0 and 6.8. In zones 4–9, it performs best where nights cool down, helping intensify flower color and prolong bloom. 

Consistent moisture is important during spring growth and bud development, but avoid waterlogged conditions, especially over winter. Fertilize sparingly; lupines fix their own nitrogen, so a low-nitrogen, balanced slow-release fertilizer applied once in early spring is sufficient, or amend with compost instead of synthetic feeds. Excess fertility can encourage lush leaves at the expense of flowers.

Remove spent flower spikes once the main display fades to tidy the plant and redirect energy. After blooming concludes, cut stems back to the basal foliage. In colder climates, apply a light winter mulch after the soil freezes to reduce crown heaving. Avoid frequent transplanting, as the deep root system prefers stability.

Westcountry™ Beefeater Lupine Spacing

Space plants 24 inches apart for full clump development and good airflow. For container use, select a pot at least 16 inches wide with sharp drainage and a gritty planting mix.

We choose Westcountry™ Beefeater Lupine when a border needs bold, high-impact color rather than soft blends. For striking contrast, plant alongside Russian sage and yarrow to highlight the red tones. In layered borders, combine with ornamental grasses and blanket flowers to create movement around the upright spikes while extending color into summer.

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