About
Vigorous, clump-forming perennial about 1.5m tall, with large, palmately divided mid-green leaves. In early to mid-summer produces upright spires about 50cm tall, of closely packed pea-like pink and white bicolor 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, 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
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
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 or light shade. May need staking, see staking perennials. 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