About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial with light green, trifoliate leaves with soft, silvery hairs. In late spring produces upright spires of pale yellow, lupin-like flowers.
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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage 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, but tolerates a range of conditions. Usually long-lived, with tough roots that resent disturbance
PruningCut down in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, moving seedlings into their final position as young as possible
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free