Lupinus polyphyllus
Zones 3-8
5 seeds
Lupine produces spectacular flower spikes in a wide range of separate colors and bicolors.
Plants are mounded and covered with deeply cut attractive foliage.
Use in mass plantings or in the mid to back portion of mixed beds.
Excellent cut flower.
Care: Does best in cool weather and with some afternoon shade.
Provide rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Plant type: perennial
Height: 30-48"/76-122cm
Site: full sun to part shade
Plant spacing: 45 cm (18")
Scarify seed by rubbing between two sheets of sandpaper to scrape seed coat or soaking in water for 24 hours prior to sowing.
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or lupins work equally well direct sown in early spring when some risk of frost is still possible.
Can be direct sown in autumn where winters are mild.
Maintain a coolish soil temperature of 12-18°C (55-65°F).
Seeds should germinate in 14-60 days. Be patient.
Space or thin plants to 30-60cm (12-24") apart to allow for natural spread.
After flowering, cut down the stems to the base of the plant.
Divide these big plants in early Spring to propagate certain colours.
Self-sown plants tend to revert to pale blue.
