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Lupinus polyphyllus hybrids
garden lupine
Western North America — from British Columbia to California; moist meadows, stream banks, and open woodlands; naturalized widely in northern Europe (invasive in Iceland, Scandinavia, UK)
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Overview
Lupinus polyphyllus (hybrids) is garden lupine (Russell lupine), an upright deciduous perennial growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Pea-like flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in dense erect terminal racemes 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in blue-violet, purple, pink, red, yellow, orange, white, or bicolor in May-June (5 weeks). Palmately compound leaves with 9-17 leaflets 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) across. In Fabaceae. Polyphyllus = many-leaved. A nitrogen-fixing legume (root nodules with Rhizobium). The Russell hybrids (1930s) expanded the color range. Native to western North America. Short-lived (3-5 years) — this is the primary limitation, requiring periodic replanting or self-sowing. Aphids colonize the flower spikes heavily. Powdery mildew on foliage in humid climates. Does not tolerate heavy clay or alkaline soil — acidic well-drained soil required. Naturalized and invasive in northern Europe. All parts contain quinolizidine alkaloids — toxic if ingested. Deer-resistant (toxicity). Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to western North America — from British Columbia to California. Found in moist meadows, stream banks, and open woodlands. Naturalized widely in northern Europe (invasive in Iceland, Scandinavia, UK).Suggested Uses
Grown in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and meadow plantings, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). Tall spring flower spikes. Short-lived — replant or allow self-sowing. Nitrogen-fixing. Toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to early summer (May-June). Pea-like flowers in dense erect terminal racemes 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). Full color range in hybrids. 5 weeks. Cut main spike for possible secondary bloom. Bee- and butterfly-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue-violet to purple (species); Russell hybrids in blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, orange, white, and bicolor; pea-like (papilionaceous) flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in dense erect terminal racemes 12-24 inches (30-60 cm)Foliage Description
Palmately compound with 9-17 lance-shaped leaflets radiating from a central point, mid-green above, paler and sometimes waxy below, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) across; water beads on the waxy leaf surfaceGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-10 hours). Well-drained acidic soil pH 5.5-7.0. Does not tolerate heavy clay or alkaline soil. Short-lived (3-5 years). Aphids on flower spikes. Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Nitrogen-fixing (no nitrogen fertilizer needed). Cut spent spikes for rebloom. All parts toxic (quinolizidine alkaloids). Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Cut spent main flower spike to a lateral stem for possible secondary bloom. Cut all dead stems to the ground in late fall (November). Remove aphid-infested tips with a strong water spray.Pruning Schedule
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