About
Upright spikes of pea-like flowers, in shades from white to deep blue, are produced in early summer, and followed by seeds which can be edible when processed correctly. A variable, bushy annual up to around 80cm high, with palmate leaves divided into up to 9 narrow leaflets. Stems and leaf undersides are coated with fine downy hairs.
About the genus
Lupinus can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with palmate leaves and showy terminal racemes of pea-like flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun. The roots are nitrogen-fixing, so can be used as a summer green manure if plants are not allowed to seed. See lupin cultivation
PruningDeadhead to encourage more flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, lupin anthracnose and virus diseases