About
A clump-forming perennial, 60-80cm high, with palmate leaves of up to 11 leaflets. Whorls of pea-like flowers, usually violet-blue but rarely pink or white, are borne on densely hairy, upright stems from late spring to early summer, followed by hairy green pods of seeds.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
Native toSE Canada, E USA
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 or light shade. Water well in summer dry spells. 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