About
This bushy annual to around 60cm high, with palmate leaves divided into up to 9 narrow leaflets. Upright spikes of pea-like, golden yellow flowers are produced in late spring and early summer, and followed by seeds which can be edible when processed correctly. Stems and leaf undersides are coated with downy silvery 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
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow
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, unless seeds are required
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