About

A bushy, clump-forming perennial up to 90cm high, with vivid green, palmate leaves divided into narrow leaflets. Upright spikes of lightly scented, creamy white flowers touched with pale yellow are produced from early to mid summer.

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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel 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, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil; prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. Water well in summer dry spells. Tall plants may require support (see staking perennials). See lupin cultivation This plant was included in the RHS Lupinus (lupin) trial 2024-2025
PruningDeadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers
PropagationPropagate from basal softwood cuttings in mid spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, lupin anthracnose and virus diseases