How to Grow Lupine

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (12 Ratings)

Lupines are a popular ornamental plant in the pea family. Most are perennial plants, such as the deep blue Lupinus perennis and the garden Russell hybrid. Some are shrubs like the tree lupine, Lupinus arboreus, and some are annuals. Lupines have vibrant, colorful flowers that stand straight up on the spike.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Plant in well-drained coarsely textured soil. Soil should be lime-free and kept moist. Because they produce nitrogen, lupines can thrive in poor soils.
Step 2

Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Step 3

Start from seed directly into soil in winter or early spring after danger of frost has past.
Step 4

Cover seed with 1/8 inches of soil or less and space plants 12 to 14 inches apart. Place lupine away from other plants in the garden because it both sprawls and reseeds.
Step 5

Soak seeds in hot water or scratch them lightly before planting to speed germination. Seeds have a hard coat and are often slow to sprout.
Step 6

Propagate also by cuttings or division. Make cuttings in late summer. Division is best done in early fall.
Step 7

Water plants during dry periods. Water requirements vary from species to species, so check specific growing instructions.

Tips & Warnings

Lupines prefer cool weather climates, grow quickly and bloom in June and July.
Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the blooming period and keep the blooms colorful. If cutting back, leave the foliage at the bottom.
Some lupines create pollen to propagate and attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
Lupines started out as wildflowers so they are hardy. Popular forms include the Arroyo, the golden and the Texas bluebonnet.
Some lupine species are poisonous, while others are edible. Lupines infected with a certain fungus cause nervous system disorders when ingested. Lupine can cause livestock poisoning. Deer won't be eating this plant.
Wear gloves as some species irritate the skin due to their high alkaloid content.
Diseases such as fusarium wilt, root rot, mildew and anthracnose and iron chlorosis develop in poorly drained, higher pH soils. Give plants good air circulation to help avoid mildew.
Don't transplant mature lupines because of their complex root structure.