About
A bushy, clump-forming perennial, up to 1.2m high, with broad, palmate green leaves divided into narrow leaflets. Tall spikes of very dark reddish purple flowers are produced from early to mid summer.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel 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, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun. Water well in summer dry spells. Tall plants may require support (see staking perennials). See lupin cultivation
PruningDeadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers
PropagationPropagate from basal softwood cuttings in mid spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, lupin anthracnose and virus diseases