The Lovely Lupine

Lovely Lupines

 

Lupinus Perennis (wild lupine) and Lupinus Polyphyllus (Russell Breed) are a joy to behold in a spring garden.  Most dramatic plants in like-color groups, lupines are often a focal piece for your garden, especially placed near the back. The plants are tall; often over four feet in full bloom, so tucking them in the back will keep them from hiding smaller blooms in the front.  An added bonus is that when the lupines die back, you can easily deadhead them and the plant will still give texture to the garden.

 

Lupines can offer spectacular color choices for your gardens, including blue, violet, lavender, white, apricot, yellow, pink and red.  If you currently have lupines and want to move them so that they will have more of a visual impact, you have to wait until fall.  For now, tie a piece of yarn that is the color of the blossom around the base of the stalk.  When fall comes and the plant has died away, be prepared to dig deep to get as much of the root as possible.  Even a small plant can have a root larger than a large carrot with many offshoots. Plant it in a new deep hole and add some composted manure along with the dirt.  Snug it in with your shoes to make sure it is tightly packed.

 

You can also grow lupine from seed, although occasionally this method seems to make for weaker plants. Gather the seeds, place them in a small baggie, and freeze them for at least three months.  Take them out of the freezer and put in a tablespoon of water; seal up the bag and let it sit overnight.  Before planting them, take the side of a meat mallet or a hammer and gently tap the seeds to crack the tough outer shell. Plant the seeds in composted soil in peat pots; keep them warm and on the damp side.  In just a few days they will germinate.  Let them stay in the pot until they are about four inches tall; then you may transplant them into your flower bed.

 

Lupine grow in many areas of the United States and in Europe (Zones 3-9) They grow best in sandy soil with full sun to partial shade. They like well drained soil with no lime.

 

Lupines are a wonderful addition to anyone’s flower bed.  They are easy to grow and not invasive.  With very little care they should give you many years of bountiful spires of color in your gardens.