California False Lupine Plant Care
Thermopsis californica S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Thermopsis californica, known by the common name California goldenbanner, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for California False Lupine?
Water California False Lupine every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the California False Lupine?
California False Lupine (Thermopsis californica) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Thermopsis genus.
California False Lupine displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. California False Lupine produces showy clusters of yellow, pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a California False Lupine?
Thermopsis californica requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the California False Lupine Need?
California False Lupine thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the California False Lupine Prefer?
Thermopsis californica grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. California False Lupine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California False Lupine?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for California False Lupine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a California False Lupine?
Feed California False 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 California False 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 California False Lupine?
California False Lupine can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to slender bushpea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the California False Lupine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list California False 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 California False Lupine?
California False 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 California False Lupine Need?
California False Lupine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow California False Lupine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
California False 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 Thermopsis genus — compare its care with other Thermopsis species on PlantoScan.
Thermopsis is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
California False Lupine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Thermopsis californica S.Watson, family Fabaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 11: 126 (1876)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list California False 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 13a, 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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