Overview
Thermopsis lupinoides is a bushy, suckering herbaceous perennial in the genus Thermopsis, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Thermopsis lupinoides 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 lupinoides is a bushy, suckering cultivar of the Thermopsis genus, which comprises herbaceous perennials resembling lupins with rhizomatous growth. This deciduous plant features upright stems and trifoliate foliage, producing yellow or purple flowers in spring and summer. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, and is hardy to UK zone H6. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens as well as flower borders and beds, it prefers moist but well-drained conditions and benefits from watering during establishment. Propagation is by seed sown in spring.
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 lupinoides 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 lupinoides
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Aphids
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thermopsis lupinoides?
Thermopsis lupinoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thermopsis lupinoides need?
Thermopsis lupinoides 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 lupinoides hardy in the UK?
Thermopsis lupinoides 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 lupinoides?
Seed sown in spring.
More in the Thermopsis genus
- Thermopsis gracilis var. gracilis
- Thermopsis lanceolatatapered false lupin
- Thermopsis montanafalse lupin
