About
Lupinus polyphyllus, the bigleaf lupin, is a strong, upright, deciduous perennial to 1.5 m tall producing a mound of large, long-stalked, mid-green leaves divided into slender leaflets up to 12 cm long. Large flower spikes to 40 cm tall bearing pea-like, blue, purple or reddish flowers are produced in summer. The parent of many garden hybrid lupins.
About the genus
Lupinus, the lupins, are annuals, perennials or shrubs with palmate leaves divided into several leaflets and showy terminal racemes of pea-like flowers in a wide range of colours. Popular and ornamental plants for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
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 usesCottage and informal garden
Native toWestern N America
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