About
Manhattan Lights' is a clump-forming perennial to 85cm with palmately divided leaves. In early to mid-summer produces upright spires of closely packed, bicolour flowersproducing alternating stripes ofpale yellow and purple.
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, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
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 moderately fertile, humus-rich, light, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light, dappled shade. 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 stem cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and lupin aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, rots, a leaf spot and a virus