Plant Database

Other Names:  Big Leaved Lupine, Blue Pod Lupine

Description:

A stunning variety producing long spikes of eye catching violet and blue flowers; a tremendous visual impact massed in the garden, border plantings or containers

Ornamental Features

Common Lupine features bold spikes of violet pea-like flowers with blue overtones rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its large palmate leaves remain emerald green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Common Lupine is an herbaceous perennial with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Self-Seeding

Common Lupine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Common Lupine will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity extending to 4 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 3 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in clay soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.