Plant Database

Other Names:  Sundial Lupine, Indian Beet, Old Maid's Bonnets

Description:

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

Ornamental Features

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

Landscape Attributes

Wild 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

Wild Lupine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Wild Lupine will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 16 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 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.