For landscaping

Lupine

Lupinus
A genus of perennials that are part of the massive Legume family which also includes the Acacias and Honey Locust.
Most species of Lupine prefer full sun on fertile, slightly acidic, light, well drained soil. Lupines do not like clay.
Propagation is from seed which is soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing outdoors during late fall or spring. Either sow them in their permanent place or transplant while small as they do not like root disturbance.
Propagation can also be achieved with transplanting small offshoots that appear at the base of the plant.
Pests and diseases affecting Lupines include: Aphids, Leaf Spot, Mildew and foliage Rust.





Lupinus chamissonis
A shrub, reaching up to 7 x 10 feet, that is native to coastal California.
The dense hairy leaves are blue-green to gray.
The blue flowers are borne on spikes up to 4 inches in length, mid spring to mid summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 in full sun. Tolerant of salt spray and drought.

Lupinus perennis ( Wild Lupine )
A perennial, reaching a maximum height of 4 feet, that is native to eastern North America ( from Minnesota to Maine; south to Louisiana to Florida ).
The blue flowers are borne on spikes late spring to late summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun on dry, sandy soil.


* photos taken on June 1 2011 in Ellicott City, MD


Lupinus polyphyllus ( Streamside Lupine )
A thick root stocked perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 3.3 feet, that is native from British Columbia to California.
The leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are composed of up to 17 leaflets.
The showy flowers are borne on dense, tapering spikes early to mid summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Surprisingly tolerant of heat and humidity.

Hybrids
Flowers borne on showy, erect spikes during early to mid summer.
The foliage is glossy mid-green.
Many hybrids have the west coast native Lupinus polyphyllus in their parentage.
Most are hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on cool, moist, acidic to neutral, deep, fertile, well drained soil. In cold climates, mulch during the winter to protect the roots. They are generally short lived perennials that need to be replaced every other year but their lifespan can be increased an extra year by cutting to the base immediately after blooming.
Hybrid Lupines are prone to aphids and do not grow well in the hot, humid southeast or Midwest ( use Baptisia instead there ).

* photos of unknown internet source




Lupinus Chandelier
Reaches up to 4 feet, with spikes of creamy-white and yellow flowers borne during early summer.

Lupinus Chatelaine
Reaches up to 4 feet, with spikes of pink and white flowers.

Lupinus Gallery Hybrids
Reaches a maximum size of 20 x 15 inches. The come in various named cultivars based on color, including Gallery Blue, Gallery Mixture, Gallery Pink, Gallery Red, Gallery White and Gallery Yellow.

Lupinus My Castle
Reaches up to 4 feet, with spikes of deep orange-red flowers.

Lupinus Noble Maiden
Reaches up to 4 feet, with spikes of pure white flowers.

Lupinus Russells Hybrids
Reaches a maximum size of 6 x 3 feet, with spikes of flowers varying in color.

* photo of unknown internet source


Lupinus The Governor
Reaches up to 6 feet, with spikes of blue to purplish flowers.


Lupinus The Pages
Reaches up to 4 feet, with spikes of deep red flowers.