Croceus Lupine Plant Care
Lupinus croceus Eastw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lupinus croceus is a species of lupine known by the common names saffron-flowered lupine and Mt Eddy Lupine. It is endemic to the northernmost mountains of California, clustering in the Klamath Mountains, where it grows in generally dry, rocky habitat.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Croceus Lupine?
Water Croceus 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 Croceus Lupine Native To?
What Is the Croceus Lupine?
Croceus Lupine (Lupinus croceus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lupinus genus. Croceus Lupine is native to the northernmost mountains of California, clustering in the Klamath Mountains.
Croceus Lupine displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Croceus Lupine produces showy spikes of pea-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Croceus Lupine?
Lupinus croceus 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 Croceus Lupine Need?
Croceus Lupine thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Croceus Lupine Prefer?
Lupinus croceus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Croceus Lupine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Croceus Lupine?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Croceus Lupine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Croceus Lupine?
Feed Croceus 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 Croceus 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 Croceus Lupine?
Croceus Lupine can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lupine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Croceus Lupine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Croceus 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 Croceus Lupine?
Croceus 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 Croceus Lupine Need?
Croceus Lupine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Croceus Lupine is native to the northernmost mountains of California, clustering in the Klamath Mountains. In cooler regions, grow Croceus Lupine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Croceus 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.
Croceus 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 croceus Eastw., family Fabaceae (first published in Leafl. W. Bot. 2: 126 (1938)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Croceus 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Croceus Lupine Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species