Wow wow wow! Manhattan Lights is a dream of a Lupine, with flower stalks that can reach 2 to 3 feet long on sturdy, long-lasting stems. This plant blooms early and heavily, often remaining in color for up to 2 months.
Manhattan Lights comes to us from Devon, England, where it is grown as part of the Westcountry™ series. This is nothing less than a whole new type of Lupine, with much bigger and more abundant blooms that last far longer than traditional varieties. If you are used to the beautiful but short-lived wild lupines, get ready for a pleasant shock.
These blooms combine bright yellow with royal purple. (Add the green foliage and you have a Mardi Gras colors.) The flowers begin in late spring in many climates, and continue for 6 to 8 weeks. They are spectacular in the garden, but are almost irresistible for cutting, too. Hummers, bees, and butterflies pay their respects, so get your camera ready.
This plant likes acidic, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. It does need good drainage above all else. It is a nitrogen-fixer, so chop the plants up and plow them into the soil after they finally pass (expect about 5 years of good blooming from this Lupine). Manhattan Lights will delight you!
