About
Whorls of pea-like white flowers are borne on upright stems in late spring and early summer. A compact, bushy annual, 20-60cm high, with palmate leaves divided into up to 9 narrow leaflets. 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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 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. 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