Where to Find Beautiful Lupins for Sale Near You

Lupins are stunning perennial flowers that come in a variety of vivid colors like red, yellow, pink, purple, blue, and white With their delicate, pea-like flowers and bold spikes, lupins make a spectacular addition to any garden If you’ve been looking for where to find these eye-catching blooms for sale near you, this article will guide you to the best local sources.

A Bit About Lupins

Lupins, also commonly called lupine or lupines, are tall, erect perennial flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. They grow best in cool climates and prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Most lupins grow 2-5 feet tall on rigid stems covered in palmately divided leaves. Their flowers emerge on dense vertical spikes in shades of blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, and white.

Lupins are part of the legume family and extract nitrogen from the air into the soil, enriching it for other plants. Their deep roots also help improve the soil structure. Once established, lupins are rugged, low-maintenance plants. They are also deer and rabbit resistant. Due to their short blooming period, lupins work well as background focal points combined with other summer perennials and annuals.

Some popular lupin varieties include

• Russell Hybrids The most commonly grown lupine with spikes in solid or bicolor shades of purple pink red, yellow, cream, orange and white. Grows 24-36 inches tall.

• Gallery Series: A dwarf strain growing 12-16 inches tall in vibrant solid colors.

• Chandelier: Long-blooming lupins with 6-12 inch flowers clustered in tiers up the stem. Come in yellow, pink, and purple-blue.

• Popsicle Mix: A new hybrid mix with unique two-toned flowers in shades of purple, pink, yellow, red and orange.

• Band of Nobles: An heirloom variety with dense 5-7 foot flower spikes in solid deep purple-blue. Stunning!

Where to Find Lupins for Sale Locally

Lupins are one of the most popular perennials for home gardens, so they shouldn’t be too hard to find at garden centers and plant nurseries near you. Here are some top places to check for lupins for sale in your area:

Local Garden Centers and Plant Nurseries

Independent garden centers and plant nurseries are great sources for finding lupins and other perennials locally grown and adapted to your region. Look for garden centers that focus on perennials. The best selection is usually available in spring and early summer. Some top local nurseries to check include:

• Lowe’s: Sells lupine plants in gallon pots in their perennial section for $15-30 each. Selection varies by location and season but commonly includes Gallery, Russell, Popsicle and Chandelier lupins in an array of colors.

• Home Depot: Also offers potted lupine plants in gallon and 2-3 gallon sizes for $15-30. Usually have Gallery, Russell and Chandelier varieties in stock.

• American Meadows: A mail order nursery with a wide selection of potted lupins available for local pick-up at partner garden centers. Call or check online for pick-up locations.

• Dig Delve Nursery: A specialty perennial nursery with an extensive selection of uncommon lupine varieties beyond the standard Russell hybrids.

• Harris Teeter Garden Center: In spring/summer, carries Band of Nobles lupine plants and Russell hybrids in gallon pots for $12-18.

• Local Farmer’s Markets: Some farmers and nurseries sell lupins and perennial plants at farmer’s markets. Check your local market schedule.

Big Box Stores

In addition to Lowes and Home Depot, other big box stores like Walmart, Target, Costco and hardware stores may stock lupins seasonally along with other perennials. Call your local stores to check availability.

Mail Order Nurseries

Can’t find what you want locally? Order lupins online from mail order nurseries like:

• Bluestone Perennials: Sells Band of Nobles, Russell, Gallery and Popsicle lupins as potted plants and bare roots.

• Nature Hills Nursery: Large selection of potted and bare root lupins, including hard-to-find varieties beyond Russell hybrids.

• Wayside Gardens: Specializes in perennials. Offers many types of potted lupins.

• White Flower Farm: Upscale nursery with premium potted lupins like Chandelier.

• Brecks: Retailer of bare root and potted perennials, including unusual lupins.

• High Country Gardens: Specializes in plants suited for hot, dry climates. Sells rack-grown drought-tolerant lupins.

• Joy Creek Nursery: Family-owned nursery offering many specialty and native lupine species beyond hybrids.

Most mail order nurseries ship potted lupins in spring once the weather warms. Order early for the best selection.

When to Purchase Lupins

For the widest selection of varieties, your best bet is to shop for potted lupins in early spring and summer.

Spring: Most garden centers and nurseries receive shipments of potted lupins in early spring once the threat of frost has passed. April-May is peak season. Shop early for best selection.

Summer: Selection is more limited than spring, but some stores continue carrying lupins into summer, especially dwarf Gallery varieties.

Fall: Limited availability. Some nurseries sell lupins in fall as pre-orders for the next spring.

Winter: Most places do not sell lupins during winter. However, you can pre-order now for receipt next spring.

You can also find lupin seeds to start your own plants indoors 6-10 weeks before your last spring frost date. Seeds are available at garden centers, nurseries, hardware stores, online sites like Etsy, and companies like American Seed.

Choosing the Best Lupins for You

When shopping for lupins, consider:

• Flower color: Choose lupin varieties in your favorite shades. Mix colors for stunning contrast.

• Height: Tall lupins like Russell hybrids and Band of Nobles work well in back borders. For mid-range height, look for Popsicles and Chandeliers. Gallery hybrids stay compact at 1-2 feet.

• Sun exposure: All lupins need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Avoid too much shade.

• Soil and climate: Pick lupins suited for your USDA zone. Most tolerate cool conditions. Select drought-resistant types for hot, dry regions.

• Bloom time: Lupins bloom in late spring and early summer. Choose early, mid and late season varieties to extend bloom time.

• Type: Consider a mix of popular hybrids and heirloom species for variety.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect lupins for your unique space.

Caring for Your Lupins So They Thrive

Lupins are hardy, long-lived perennials if given proper care:

• Plant in a spot receiving full sun. Areas with hot afternoon sun should have some shade.

• Prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH soil enriched with compost or manure. Excellent drainage is key.

• Space 18-24 inches apart. Give tall varieties 2-3 feet spacing.

• Water new plantings if soil is dry. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.

• Applying slow release fertilizer in early spring benefits growth. Avoid high nitrogen products.

• Cut back spent flower stems to encourage reblooming. Leave basal foliage intact.

• May require staking in windy areas. Surround with shorter plants for shelter.

• Divide clumps every 2-3 years in fall to control spread and renew growth.

• Hardy in zones 3-8. Mulch roots in winter where temps drop below freezing.

With proper planting and care, lupins are sure to bring you years of enjoyment with their cheery, colorful blooms!

Finding Gorgeous Lupins Near Me

Lupins are a must-have perennial that will transform any garden with their spires of vivid blossoms. With their beauty and low maintenance nature, it’s no wonder gardeners seek out these showy flowers. Now that you know where to find lupins sold near you and how to select the perfect varieties, you’ll be ready to incorporate their vibrant colors and vertical drama into your landscape. Happy lupin hunting!