Westcountry™ Desert Sun Lupine

With its sturdy upright flower spikes that attract the eyes of pollinators and passersby alike, the Westcountry™ Desert Sun Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) is sure to add vibrance and height to a sunny garden. Growing 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, the sunny disposition of the Desert Sun Lupine complements other low-growing perennials and evergreens. The Desert Sun Lupine blooms in the late spring, rounding out those early spring colors and ushering in summer with its large, thick clusters of butter-and-lemon yellow flower cones and frilly finger-like leaves. 

As a pollinator magnet, the Desert Sun Lupine is an ideal choice for those gardeners wishing to create a pollinator habitat. What is more, lupine is deer resistant, allowing for placement near woodlands without the worry of losing flowers to herbivores. Once established, lupine is drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice in warmer climates. Plant the Westcountry™ Lupine in a garden bed with varying heights of blooming perennials or create a mass planting, perfect for a fresh-cut flower bed. 

Westcountry™ Desert Sun Lupine Care

The Desert Sun Lupine prefers to be planted in rich, well-draining soil. For best results, choose a spot that receives full to part sun. To plant, dig a hole that is twice the width and equal depth as the root ball and amend the soil if necessary. Though drought resistant when established, lupine benefits from regular irrigation early on and during the hottest, driest parts of the year. 

In the early spring, apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer to the Desert Sun Lupine to aid in flowering. Lupines fix nitrogen from the air and don’t require frequent feedings. Remove flower heads as they dry up to keep your garden neat and tidy. Once the foliage has gone dormant in the winter, cut the plant back to the ground. 

Westcountry™ Desert Lupine Spacing

Plant the Desert Sun Lupine 1-2 feet from the nearest plant or a bit closer together when looking to create a mass planting. Lupines can be placed in a large container with adequate drainage for a few seasons and should be watered more frequently in hotter weather.