Care of the plant Lupinus polyphyllus or Garden lupin |
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The genus Lupinus, family Fabaceae, includes some 200 herbaceous species native to the Mediterranean region and America. Some species are: Lupinus polyphyllus, Lupinus luteus, Lupinus arboreus, Lupinus lepidus, Lupinus affinis, Lupinus mutabilis. Common names: Garden lupin, Bigleaf Lupine, Large-leaved lupine, Big-leaved lupine, Many-leaved lupine. This species is native to northwestern America. They are perennial herbaceous plants that reach 90 cm (35.43") in height. The leaves are digitate and are formed by 9-15 lanceolate leaflets. The flowers appear in conical upright clusters of up to 40 cm (15.74") in height and can be blue, yellow, pink, red, mauve, etc. They bloom in late spring and early summer. They are used in mixed borders, in flowerbeds, on terraces, as isolated specimens and as cut flowers. They are ideal for mountain regions and for coastal gardens. Lupinus polyphyllus needs full sun exposure and a temperate climate. They resist frost well. The soil can be normal garden soil with coarse sand and abundant organic matter; they do not resist calcareous soils. Planting is done in autumn. Water frequently so that the substrate is always damp but not flooded; in summer water daily. They do not resist drought. Fertilize with compost in late winter and with mineral fertilizer every 15 days in spring and summer. Prune the wilted inflorescences to get a second bloom. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by division after flowering and from seeds sown in early spring in the final location or in fall sown in pots. |
Images of the plant Lupinus polyphyllus or Garden lupin |
 Lupinus polyphyllus  Lupinus polyphyllus  Lupinus polyphyllus  Lupinus polyphyllus |