Overview
Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii is a shrub in the genus Lupinus, part of the Fabaceae family. Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. It is native to California and Oregon.
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.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lupinus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Exposure
- exposed
Plant details
Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Native to
- California, Oregon
- Toxicity
- toxic
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii?
Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii need?
Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
Is Lupinus albifrons var. douglasii toxic?
Toxic.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lupinus genus
- Lupinus albifronssilver lupine
- Lupinus arboreustree lupin
- Lupinus polyphyllusbigleaf lupin
- Lupinus polyphyllus 'Downer's Delight'Large-Leaved Lupine
- Lupinus polyphyllus 'Pink Pearls'Garden Lupin
- Lupinus ornatusLupin