Sundial Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a native wildflower blooming blue-purple from May through July across eastern and midwestern states. This drought-tolerant perennial serves as the sole host plant for endangered Karner blue butterfly caterpillars.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, CT, FL, GA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Sundial lupine produces striking spikes of blue-purple flowers in late spring and early summer above palm-shaped leaves. This native wildflower grows in neat clumps and is extremely drought tolerant once established. The plant goes dormant in late summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.
Growing Sundial Lupine
Grow Sundial Lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sundial Lupine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Disappears completely in late summer leaving bare ground
- Can look wild or weedy compared to typical garden plants
- May spread by underground runners
Wildlife value
Host plant for blue butterfly, frosted elfin.
This plant is the sole host plant for the endangered Karner blue butterfly and attracts native bees and other butterflies. The flowers provide important nectar for pollinators during peak bloom season.
Common questions
- Where does Sundial Lupine grow naturally?
- Sundial Lupine is native to 24 states across the eastern and midwestern United States, from Florida north to Minnesota and from Alabama east to Massachusetts.
- When does Lupinus perennis bloom?
- Sundial Lupine typically blooms from May through July, producing tall spikes of blue to purple flowers that attract native bees and butterflies.
- What pollinators visit Sundial Lupine?
- Native bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Sundial Lupine. The plant is particularly important as the exclusive host plant for the endangered Karner blue butterfly.
- What growing conditions does Lupinus perennis prefer?
- Sundial Lupine thrives in full sun to partial sun with well-draining, sandy or rocky soils. It is drought tolerant once established and prefers low to moderate water conditions.
- Is Sundial Lupine HOA-friendly?
- Sundial Lupine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Sundial Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz