Westcountry™ Polar Princess Lupine

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Lupines beautifully transition from spring to summer, displaying dramatic spears of color above sturdy mounds of foliage. Polar Princess Lupine from the Westcountry™ series blooms later than most lupines. The tall spikes are jam-packed with pure white flowers that stay lovely for weeks at the beginning of the summer. Many native pollinators and songbirds love these plants for their nectar and (later in the summer) seeds. Polar Princess is a cultivar of the Lupinus polyphyllus, which is native to the western parts of North America and naturalized across the eastern portion.

The tall flower spikes of this improved variety require little support when in full bloom. Westcountry™ Lupines tolerate cold winters and warm spring weather and rarely are bothered by pests or diseases. The flowers are long-lasting on the plant or in a vase of cut flowers. The upright growth habit and overall large size of Polar Princess make it an outstanding plant for the back of a spring bulb garden or on the border of a woodland walk to add texture and a bright spot of color. 

Westcountry™ Polar Princess Lupine Care

Lupines grow best in climates that are cool and damp. Situate your plant in a location with at least 4-6 hours of direct sun exposure and protection from intense afternoon sun. Water every 2-3 days upon planting to develop a strong root system. Once established, the plant will tolerate short periods of heat or dryness.

Well-draining soil is key to the longevity of this herbaceous perennial. Soil that has been amended with plenty of organic matter will help keep the root system cool and hold moisture longer between waterings. Lupines like acidic soil, but the Westcountry™ series blooms perfectly well in neutral pH soil.

Deadhead Polar Princess to encourage a second round of flowers. Cut back the spent flower stems deep in the foliage to hide any naked stems. Lupines will naturally die back after flowering, as they do not tolerate the heat of summer. Polar Princess flowers later than other Lupine varieties and takes longer to die back in summer, especially when watered consistently. Cut back the top growth as soon as it yellows and turns brown to prevent disease or pest infestation. A second flush of new foliage sometimes appears in late summer or during a warm fall. 

Lupines growing in containers will require regular watering to keep the potting mix moist. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks to replace nutrients lost to that regular watering.

Westcountry™ Polar Princess Lupine Spacing

The impressive shape of this specialty Lupine is beautifully highlighted when grown as a backdrop in the garden border. The overall height reaches 2-3 feet when fully in bloom and the spread is a solid 24 inches across. Space plants at 20-24 inches to create a continuous planting. Choose a container with at least a 12-inch diameter and deep base to counteract any top-heavy flower spikes during blooming. Use Polar Princess as a thriller plant in a seasonal mixed planter.

SKU:

LUPPR