Overview
Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis is a bushy, suckering herbaceous perennial in the genus Thermopsis, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Thermopsis genus, known for its lupin-like appearance and rhizomatous growth. This bushy, suckering plant has deciduous foliage composed of three leaflets and produces yellow or purple flowers in spring and summer. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, tolerating a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. Suitable for full sun or partial shade, it is hardy to UK zone H6 and is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds.
About the genus
Thermopsis is a genus of legumes, native to temperate North America and east Asia. They are herbaceous perennials and are known as goldenbanners or false-lupines.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thermopsis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thermopsis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thermopsis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis?
Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis need?
Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis hardy in the UK?
Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis?
Seed sown in spring.
