About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall with pea-like, trifoliate leaves. From early spring, unbranched spikes of soft yellow, lupin-like flowers emerging from greyish-purple buds are held above the foliage.
About the genus
Thermopsis are lupin-like rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect stems, leaves with three leaflets, and yellow or purple flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toAsia
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in light, fertile, well-drained, loamy soil in full sun, but tolerates a range of conditions. Usually long-lived, with tough roots that resent disturbance
PruningCut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring
Pest resistanceSlugs and aphids may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free