Staircase® Red - Lupinus

Staircase® Red is an upright, vegetatively propagated lupine in Green Fuse Botanicals’ Staircase® series. The breeder lists Red as a distinct color alongside bicolor selections and describes the series as a tall, cold-hardy garden lupine. ## Garden Profile Green Fuse gives a garden height of 28–36 inches and a width of 9–11 inches for the series. Its 2026 culture sheet lists hardiness to USDA Zone 4 and performance through Zone 8; an earlier catalog lists Zone 3, so use local winter exposure and reliable drainage when judging the lower limit. The breeder’s product page shows Red separately from Red White and Rose White. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun and well-drained soil. Green Fuse recommends allowing the growing medium to dry between waterings and avoiding overwatering, particularly in cool or cloudy weather. The series can flower without vernalization; a period of cool conditions can make flowering more uniform. Flower spikes bring vertical color to cottage-garden borders and pollinator plantings. Lupine flowers attract bees and butterflies, and tall stems may need support. Lupines are poisonous if eaten. Avoid planting where children or pets may chew the foliage or seeds. ## Maintenance Keep soil from remaining saturated, especially during cool weather. Remove spent spikes to prolong the display; stake tall stems if they lean.