Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii (Silver Lupine) — shrub

Overview

Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii is a shrub in the genus Lupinus, part of the Q44448 family. Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. It is native to California and Oregon.

About

Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii is an evergreen shrub with silver, feathery leaves and racemes of light blue to violet flowers. It blooms in the UK from June to August. It prefers full sun on well-drained soils and tolerates dry to medium moisture on exposed sites. All parts are toxic, so plant with caution where people or animals might ingest foliage.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lupinus albifrons

About the genus

Lupinus, commonly known as lupin, lupine, or regionally bluebonnet, is a genus of plants in the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes over 199 species, with centres of diversity in North and South America. Smaller centres occur in North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lupinus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lupinus

In the garden

Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii is a silver-leafed lupin native to California and Oregon, where it occupies dry, open slopes and coastal clearings. In flower it produces upright spikes of pale blue to violet pea-flowers from June to August, set against distinctly silvery, pinnate leaves. Plant in a sunny, exposed position with freely draining soil; it performs best where soil moisture is low to moderate. A gritty or sandy mix and raised planting on a slope or in a gravel bed helps avoid waterlogging around the roots. Allow space for a multi-stemmed habit and avoid heavy shade or competition from vigorous lawn grasses. In UK gardens it suits gravel gardens, sunny banks, coastal plots and Mediterranean-style borders where low soil moisture is the norm. Use it where its silvery foliage and summer flower spikes can be appreciated at close range or as part of a drought-tolerant mixed border. Take care when siting: all parts of the plant are toxic, so avoid planting where livestock graze and supervise access by children.