Also known as Golden Banner · 86 gardener saves
Thermopsis: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Thermopsis, the genus most gardeners know as golden banner. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Thermopsis varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedSiberian False Lupine
Thermopsis fabacea
#2 most savedMountain Goldenbanner
Thermopsis montana
#3 most savedCarolina Lupine
Thermopsis villosa
Chinese False Lupine
Thermopsis chinensis
How to grow Thermopsis
What the Thermopsis varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Thermopsis year
- PlantMarch and September50% of varieties
Plant bare root or container plants in early spring or fall
- PruneFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back old stems and foliage before new growth begins in late winter
- StakeApril and May50% of varieties
May require staking to support flower spikes in rich soils or windy sites.
- Spring CleanupFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back old stems to the ground in late winter before new growth starts.
Do
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water young plants regularly 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize in late fall
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Thermopsis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap organic option |
| Root rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Thermopsis
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall, each with roots and shoots.
- Plant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Thermopsis questions
How many types of Thermopsis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Thermopsis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 86 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Thermopsis grow in?
Across its varieties, Thermopsis covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Thermopsis bloom?
Most Thermopsis varieties bloom in late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Thermopsis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Thermopsis shows up in
Design with Thermopsis in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
