Species
Lupinus polyphyllusBigleaf Lupine25 other cultivars
‘Red Popsicle’Red Popsicle Lupine
‘Mixed Dwarf’Mixed Dwarf Lupine
‘Towering Inferno’Garden Lupine
‘Magic Lantern’Magic Lantern lupine
‘Gallery Blue’Gallery Blue Lupine
‘Blue Bicolor’Blue Bicolor Lupine
‘Beefeater’Beefeater Lupine
‘The Chatelaine’The Chatelaine Lupine
‘Pink Bicolor’Pink Bicolor Lupine
‘Rachel de Thame’Rachel de Thame lupine
‘The Governor’The Governor Lupine
‘My Castle’My Castle lupine
‘Gallery White’Gallery White Lupine
‘Mini Gallery Red’Mini Gallery Red Lupine
‘Noble Maiden’Noble Maiden lupine
‘Westcountry Persian Slipper’Westcountry Persian Slipper Lupine
‘Red’Red Lupine
‘Westcountry Blacksmith’Westcountry Blacksmith Lupine
‘Masterpiece’Masterpiece Lupine
‘Tequila Flame’Tequila Flame Lupine
‘Pink Popsicle’Pink Popsicle Lupine
‘Manhattan Lights’Manhattan Lights Lupine
‘Gallery Yellow’Gallery Yellow Lupine
‘Red Rum’Red Rum Lupine
‘West Country’West Country Lupine
The Story
Plant Bio
Large clusters of colorful flowers, often attracting pollinators and providing robust foliage.
The Blacksmith cultivar is known for its striking dark purple flower spikes that stand out in garden beds.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested, especially seeds.
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
- Plant in full sun to promote healthy flowering and foliage development.
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 6 weeks during the growing season.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination rates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't disturb roots when transplanting
- Refrain from using heavy clay soil without amendment
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blacksmith lupine questions
What zones can Blacksmith lupine grow in?
Blacksmith lupine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blacksmith lupine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Blacksmith lupine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Blacksmith lupine bloom?
Blacksmith lupine typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blacksmith lupine need full sun?
Blacksmith lupine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Lupinus to compare
Wild Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Red Popsicle Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Red Popsicle'
Mixed Dwarf Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Mixed Dwarf'
Garden Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Towering Inferno'
Magic Lantern lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Magic Lantern'
Gallery Blue Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Gallery Blue'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Blacksmith lupine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.