Intro/Brief Description

Lupine

Genus: Lupinus

Introduction to Lupine

Due to the vibrant and colorful flowers they produce, growing Lupines can be a rewarding experience for nearly any home gardener. With a color spectrum consisting of violet, blue, red, pink, orange, yellow and white, the Lupine's flowers stand up in straight clusters, the wings of each blossom folded back at times to slightly resemble a butterfly at rest. The name of the genus is Lupinus, which, interestingly, comes from the Latin word meaning "wolf-like." It is believed that the plant derived this name from early observers who noted that Lupines would grow where there was poor soil. Mistakenly, it was concluded that the Lupines were responsible for the soil depletion in the area and therefore it was supposed that they had a voracious, wolf-like appetite for ground nutrients. In reality, however, it has been found that Lupines do very well in poor soil due to their ability to create high levels of nitrogen. While this flowering plant is highly prominent in North America, species of Lupine grow throughout the world on nearly every continent. One Lupine species native to the eastern United States, the Lupinus perennis can reach up to three feet high and is known for its beautiful lavender stalks. It grows from Minnesota to Maine and south to Indiana and Florida. Lupines quickly take root and do best in drier soils with high acidity, sand content and drainage. Its features are strikingly different from the Tree Lupine (Lupinus arboreus) which is a native of California where it thrives in temperate climates. Blooming large bunches of white and yellow flowers, the Tree Lupine forms a bush that can grow as high as five to six feet. Although most Lupines are native to North America, the Mediterranean area produces various annuals such as the Blue Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) and the White Lupine (Lupinus albus). One of the more spectacular Lupines is the Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis), the flowers of which are blue or, alternatively, a rich maroon which is the reason some cultivators have come to call it "Alamo Fire."

Features of Lupine

Growing Lupines can be a simple and gratifying endeavor for both new and advanced gardeners. As a populous wildflower, the Lupine complements the more relaxed garden scene, and planting Lupine seeds in an open lot can often yield wondrous results. When watering Lupines, however, it is important to heed the special needs of the species in question, as some Lupines require daily watering and a moist environment while others need much less. Various species of the Lupinus genus create pollen in order to propagate, and therefore this genus is highly attractive to bees as well as hummingbirds and butterflies. This also accounts for the fragrance of some Lupine species. If this is a desired feature for anyone growing Lupines, then it is advisable plant any species of perennial Lupine seeds, as these typically attract more pollen carriers. While there are as many as 200 different species of Lupines, only a select few are safe for use as forage. Because of the high alkaloid content, many Lupine species are poisonous for humans and animals if any part of them is eaten. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that the gardener will be confronted with deer eating his or her Lupine plants.

Lupine Hardiness

When considering how to most successfully incorporate Lupines into a casual garden or meadow space, it is important to keep in mind that dry ground with good drainage is the best environment in which to plant Lupine seeds. This genus characteristically flourishes in sandy, arid regions, and it is found all over North America. Certain species including the Wild Perennial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) are native to the eastern regions of the continent. They are classified as perennial because they bloom seasonally, go into a dormant period and come back again to bloom. Another Lupine is the Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus) which is a native of California although it, too, can grow anywhere in North America. It should be noted that this species is annual, and therefore lives only once for a period of heavy blooming. Other annuals are native to the Mediterranean region and include the Yellow Lupine (Lupinus luteus) which blooms in the summer in the northern part of Europe.

Growth Habit of Lupine

Lupines can grow in a variety of sizes, with plant heights ranging from 6 inches to 48 inches and spacing width measuring from 3 inches to 36 inches. Due to their fast and at times sprawling growth, it is often advisable to plant Lupine seeds further away from other plants and flowers in the garden. Because Lupines belong to the pea family, they are able to regenerate by reseeding. The Lupine seeds grow in pods that often appear flattened out. This is crucial for the annual Lupines that propagate if their seeds are able to be replanted. Other Lupines, like the Wild Perennial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) are attractive to pollen carriers.

Bloom Time of Lupine

Lupines bloom in spring or the early part of the summer, usually by the first week or two of June. Deadheading is highly recommended as it will prolong the blooming period and make for a more vibrant floral performance. If one chooses to cut back these perennials, it is important to leave the foliage in order to give the plant protection during the winter months.

How To Propagate Lupine

When planting Lupine seeds, one may remember that these perennials started out and continue to exist as wildflowers. With that in mind, it makes sense that this plant should grow perfectly well when the seeds of the Lupine are spread over topsoil. Alternatively, for those who wish to put more care into process, Lupine seeds can be sown directly into the soil. For certain species such as the Wild Lupine or the Sundial Lupine (Lupinus Perennius), the seeds must be soaked in cold water overnight before seeding. To assure strong growth in the spring time it is recommended that these Lupines be seeded in the early part of autumn. It is possible to make cuttings of Lupines. Germinating Lupine seeds can be done within the weeks of late spring and early summer, either in cold temperature or in a moderately heated cold frame or greenhouse. From there the seedlings can be planted in the earth, and will subsequently start blooming a little bit in the later part of summer. Throughout the plant's life, full sunlight or partially protected lighting will help the Lupine to succeed. A good time to take cuttings of the shoots that are not in bloom is toward the end of spring or the beginning of summer.

Transplanting Lupine

Unless one is transplanting seedlings, as discussed above, it is advisable not to transplant mature Lupines. People generally tend to have more success overall by simply planting Lupine seeds. Due to the complex root structure of its mature plants, the Lupinus genus is very difficult to transplant.

Soil for Lupine

The preferred soil for Lupines has a lower pH, as the plant does best in more acidic ground. In order to be sure that one is watering Lupines correctly, the soil should be well drained. Because it is from the pea family, Lupines are strong producers of nitrogen and therefore thrive in poor soil.

Watering Lupine

When watering Lupines, one should pay attention to the specific species at hand. Some Lupines prefer to be watered constantly while others, such as the Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus) are better at retaining water than other species.

Sunlight for Lupine

Lupine generally prefer full to partial sunlight, depending on the species in question.

Care and Maintenance of Lupine

The Lupinus genus is quite self-sufficient, growing well in poor soil due to its ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen. Consequently, there is little need for fertilizer in general. Gloves should be worn with many species due to the high alkaloid content in the leaves which may lead to skin irritation in some.

Pests of Lupine

Due to the high toxicity of many species in this genus, pests are generally not an issue when growing Lupines. However, certain beetles are known to attack. The lupine maggot is also a recognized problem.

Diseases of Lupine

Some of the prominent diseases that can affect the Lupinus genus included viruses, root rot, mildew, and other fungi. It is important to make sure Lupines are subject to thorough watering in well drained soil.

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