This short-lived perennial is grown for its bold, bicolor blooms.
Small pleated leaflets grow in rings around a central point, forming a cuplike shape.
Lupine is hardy inUSDA Zones 4-9.
Credit:Brian E. McCay
Depending on the environment, it can be grown as anannual or perennial.
In warmer climates, check that lupines get light afternoon shade to cool things down.
Lupines are traditional additions to a cottage garden.
Credit: Andy Lyons
They are charming in a mixed border and make lovely cut flowers for arrangements.
How and When to Plant Lupine
Lupineperennialsare easy to start from seed.
However, when they are not grown in their ideal options, lupine plant care for overwintering is challenging.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The native species dont perform well as ornamentals in home gardens.
For a potted specimen,dig a holeabout the same width and depth as the planting container.
Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing it in the hole.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.
To plant lupine seeds outdoors, prepare a bed by scratching the soil.
Scarify the seeds, plant them 1/4-inch into the soil, and barely cover them.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Keep the soil moist until you see germination, and continue to water regularly until the plant is established.
Most plants flower more profusely in their second season.
Lupine Care Tips
Lupine is easy to care for and requires little maintenance.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
To determine if soil hasgood drainage, dig a hole about 12-18 inches wide and 12-18 inches deep.
Next, fill the hole with water.
Once it drains, refill it with water and wait for it to drain again.
Credit:Brie Williams
The level should drop about an inch per hour in soil with good drainage.
Soggy soil will result in root rot.
If rainfall is lacking, water once a week.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Temperature and Humidity
Lupines like climates with summers on the cool side.
They dont do well in high heat and humidity.
it’s possible for you to reduce the temperature in root zones by applying mulch around the plant.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing lupine may result in the overgrowth of foliage, reducing plant flowering.
If the soil is too alkaline, use a specialtyfertilizerto add acidity according to the manufacturers directions.
During the growing season,deadhead spent flowersto encourage further blooming.
Alternatively, cutting the plant back to half after its first bloom will also encourage new growth.
Potting and Repotting Lupine
Pot lupine in deep,well-draining containers.
Its taproots are long and need room to grow.
Use lightweight soil to allow for good drainage.
Pests and Problems
Lupines are susceptible topowdery mildew, but good air circulation helps prevent this problem.
Cut away affected leaves.
If a plant develops a brown spot, remove it and destroy it.
Lupine can be affected by common garden pests.
Use horticultural soap to cleanse plants of aphids,snails, and slugs.
Here are a few popular choices.
Russell Lupine
LupinusRussell Hybrids make bushy mounds of fingered foliage.
Dramatic foot-long spikes of large pea-like flowers rise above the clumps.
Individual flowers are often bicolored and come in a range of hues.
A winter-hardy plant, it has a strong aroma that emanates from its pretty rosettes.
Add it to borders and cottage gardens.
Plant in informal gardens for big color.
All types are prolific nectar producers that attract butterflies.
They self-seed readily, giving you lots more plants through the years.
Zones 3-8
Iris
Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, iriscomes in many colorsand heights.
All have classic and intricate flowers.
The falls may be bearded or not.
Some cultivars bloom a second time in late summer.
Deadheading prolongs bloom and prevents self-seeding.
Jupiters beard has escaped from gardens and is now a nonnative wildflower in some regions.
Zones 5-11
Lupine Garden Plan
Lupines add eye-catching color and form to any garden.
Because of that, their common name is derived from the Latin word for wolflike.
The flowers attract many pollinators to your garden, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
