Photo: shesnuckinfutsCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Arctic Lupine Plant Care
Lupinus arcticus S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lupinus arcticus is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common names Arctic lupine or subalpine lupine. It is native to northwestern North America, where it occurs from Oregon north to Alaska and east to Nunavut. It is a common wildflower in British Columbia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Arctic Lupine?
Water Arctic Lupine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Arctic Lupine Native To?
What Is the Arctic Lupine?
Arctic Lupine (Lupinus arcticus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lupinus genus. Arctic Lupine is native to northwestern North America. Arctic Lupine is also known as Lupinus borealis, Lupinus donnellyensis, Lupinus gakonensis.
Arctic Lupine displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Arctic Lupine produces showy spikes of pea-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Arctic Lupine?
Lupinus arcticus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Arctic Lupine Need?
Arctic Lupine thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Arctic Lupine Prefer?
Lupinus arcticus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Arctic Lupine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Arctic Lupine?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Arctic Lupine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Arctic Lupine?
Feed Arctic Lupine every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Arctic Lupine?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Arctic Lupine?
Arctic Lupine can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lupine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Arctic Lupine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Arctic Lupine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Arctic Lupine?
Arctic Lupine is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Arctic Lupine Need?
Arctic Lupine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Arctic Lupine is native to northwestern North America. In cooler regions, grow Arctic Lupine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Arctic Lupine is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lupinus genus — compare its care with other Lupinus species on PlantoScan.
Lupinus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Arctic Lupine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lupinus Species
Other Lupinus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lupinus arcticus S.Watson, family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Arctic Lupine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: shesnuckinfuts, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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