Lupinus hybrids
lupine
leguminoSae
Spiked flowers in various colors; palmately
compound leaves
3–4 ft. high; 1 1/2–2 ft. wide
Full sun or part shade
Blooms June–July
Zones 4–6
pruning Deadheading will prolong
bloom and help prevent seeding.
Seedlings are usually not true to type,
but some interesting forms may be
produced. After the initial flowering,
usually sometime in mid- to late July,
cut plants down to about 6 in. or down
to the new basal leaves that have
developed. Plants may produce
sporadic rebloom. Cutting back is also
an effective control against aphids,
which often trouble lupines. Plants
usually do not need to be cut back
again until spring, when removing
winter damage is necessary.
other maintenance A
high-maintenance, short-lived
perennial. Requires rich, high-organic,
acidic, well-draining soil and cool
summer temperatures for best
performance. Provide afternoon shade
in hot regions. Requires winter mulch
in northern gardens. May require
staking. Inoculating the roots with a
legume inoculant before planting
seems to improve performance. Divide
by removing side shoots in the spring
without lifting the whole plant.
Yellow-flowered forms may be more
tender. Cultivar ‘Candy Floss’ produces
robust flower spikes, usually in shades
of pink.Lupinus ‘Candy Floss’