About
A collective name given to a group of bushy, clump-forming perennials raised from the same seed strain. Upright spikes of bicoloured flowers, in a range of colours including pink, yellow, purple and white, are produced from early to mid summer. Plants stand to around 1m high, with palmate green leaves divided into narrow leaflets.
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
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage 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; prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. Water well in summer dry spells. Tall plants may require support (see staking perennials)
PruningDeadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed or by 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