About
Bushy, semi-evergreen shrub about 1.5-2m tall, with silky stems and palmate grey-green leaves composed of leaflets 6cm long. In late spring and summer produces dense racemes to 30cm long of delicately scented, pea-like blue-mauve and occasionally white bicolored flowers.
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
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
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 and slightly acid, well-drained or sandy soil in full sun. Ideal for warm coastal locations. See lupin cultivation
PruningDeadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed in early to mid-spring or by basal stem cuttings in mid to late spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to lupin anthracnose, Powdery mildews and a virus