- Botanical Name
- Lupinus polyphyllus
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Plant Type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Size (HxW)
- ‘Minarette’: 30-60cm x 30-50cm.
- Russell
- 90-120 x 50-70cm
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant at the same level as in the pot, with the roots spread evenly below the soil surface. Space 30-70cm apart.
- Soil
- Humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal. Slightly acid soil is preferred.
- Aspect
- Full sun to semi shade. They need at least six hours a day to flower at their best.
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Hardy
- Water
- Water to establish, and keep moist during active growth – they will flower better and longer with adequate moisture. They don’t like to be cold and wet in their dormancy, drainage is important.
- Fertiliser
- Apply a well balanced slow release fertiliser each spring and summer for a good show. Or, to promote larger blooms and plants which flower longer, begin weekly applications of liquid fertiliser once the buds begin to appear. It is best to use a fertiliser that is not too high in nitrogen and is rich in phosphorus (they are not big fans of manures).
- Flowering Time
- Spring to summer
- After Flower Care
- Remove spent flowers at the base of the stem to tidy and encourage more flowers and healthy plant growth. At the end of the season, you can harvest the seed heads. Wait until foliage has yellowed in autumn before cutting it back to the ground, they reshoot mid spring.
- Notes
- If plants are too close together and air flow is poor, fungal diseases may occur, prune away affected areas and dispose of in the bin. Each plant will last around three years and then should be replaced with new stock. Seeds will be viable, are readily variable and will flower in the second year - scarify them and give them an overnight soak prior to planting. You could also take cuttings as you would a Delphinium. Protect new growth from slugs and snails as they find them delicious.