LUPINUS Manhattan Lights

Description and Characteristics

Lupinus 'Manhattan Lights' is a truly eye-catching bicolour lupin cultivar, celebrated for its dramatic, upright flower spikes featuring striking purple-violet standards and contrasting bright yellow lower petals (keels). A tall, herbaceous perennial, it belongs to the Russell Hybrid group, known for their bold garden presence, reliable flowering, and wide colour range.

Growing to a height of 90–100 cm with a spread of 40–60 cm, 'Manhattan Lights' forms an upright clump of lush, palmate green foliage and sends up densely packed flower spires in late spring and early summer. The flowers are beloved by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making this variety a strong contributor to biodiversity in the garden.

Its unique bicolour combination and strong architectural shape make it a fantastic choice for cottage gardens, mixed borders, and pollinator-friendly designs.

• Tall, upright spires with deep purple and bright yellow bicolour flowers

• Lush clumps of divided, tropical-looking green leaves

• Blooming time: late May to July, with potential for a second flush

• Mature height: 90–100 cm; spread: 40–60 cm

• A bold, structural perennial for mid to back-of-border plantings

• Excellent for cutting gardens and wildlife-friendly borders

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Lupinus 'Manhattan Lights' is a sun-loving, hardy perennial that thrives with well-drained soil, moderate watering, and regular deadheading. With proper care, it is a low-maintenance and high-impact garden performer.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)

  • Tolerates light partial shade, especially in hotter climates

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH

  • Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites—amend with compost or grit if needed

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first season

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overwatering or allowing roots to sit in wet soil

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser in early spring

  • Excess nitrogen may promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage a second flush in late summer

  • In autumn, cut stems back to just above ground level after foliage has naturally died down

  • Mulch around the crown in late autumn in colder regions

• Staking:

  • May require light staking or support in windy or exposed gardens

  • Plant in groups for a natural support structure and denser impact

Design Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Lupinus 'Manhattan Lights' is prized for its dramatic vertical presence, unique colour pattern, and wildlife value. Its vibrant flowers make it a standout in both classic and modern garden styles.

• Design Uses:

  • Ideal for cottage gardens, herbaceous borders, and cut flower beds

  • Great for creating vertical contrast among round or low-growing perennials

  • Adds colour, height, and rhythm when planted in drifts

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with delphiniums, digitalis, alliums, geum, and nepeta

  • Complements colour themes including blues, purples, and yellows

  • Contrast with silver foliage plants like artemisia or stachys for visual balance

• Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits:

  • Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Early-summer nectar source supports pollinator biodiversity

  • Great addition to eco-conscious planting schemes

• Propagation and Lifespan:

  • Propagate by basal cuttings in spring or from seed (note: seed may not be true to type)

  • Typically short-lived (3–5 years)—replant every few seasons to maintain vibrancy

  • Avoid disturbing established root systems

• Pest and Disease Tips:

  • Watch for lupin aphids and slugs/snails, especially on tender new growth

  • Ensure spacing for airflow to reduce risk of powdery mildew or leaf spot

  • Aphids can be managed by strong hosing or insecticidal soap

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.