About
A clump-forming perennial, up to 1.5m high, with palmate leaves divided into numerous narrow leaflets, each up to 15cm long. Whorls of pea-like flowers, usually violet-blue but rarely pink or white, are borne on hairy, upright stems from late spring to early summer, followed by densely 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Bushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, 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
CultivationUnlike many lupins, this species prefers moist soils, and though it prefers full sun, it will also tolerate light shade. 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