Lupine is a genus of over 500 species of flowering, herbaceous perennials in the bean family. The plants bloom from spring into summer with fragrant purple and yellow blossoms along an erect stalk. Most lupine species are native to the Western United States and require a cool climate. In warmer climates (zones 7 and 8), they tend to be grown as annuals. Native North Carolina lupines such as L. perennis and L. diffusus grow in the coastal plain but may be difficult to find. Lupine species tend to do well in full sun, organically rich soil, with consistent watering. These plants appreciate some light afternoon shade in hot summer areas and dislike the heat and humidity of the deep South where they are best grown as annuals. Mulch around the plants can help to keep roots cool and you can deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage additional bloom. Lupines tend to be short-lived (2 to 5 years) perennials in the best of growing environments. Hybrid Lupines such as the Russell Hybrids are best for cool mountain gardens. Plant seeds in the fall. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs and snails can be a problem. Powdery mildew and aphids can also affect plants.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Alternate, simple or palmately divided. Lupins have soft green to grey-green leaves which may be coated in silvery hairs. The leaf blades are usually palmately but sometimes reduced to a single leaflet.
Flower color
Blue; Gold/Yellow; Pink; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Showy
Flower form
Spike
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Terminal, elongated clusters, pea-like, blue to purple, pinkish, or white. Blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers are produced in dense or open whorls on an erect spike, each flower about 3/4 of an inch long. The pea-like flowers have an upper standard, or banner, two lateral wings, and two lower petals fused into a keel. The flower shape resembles a bonnet.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
Elongated, flattened pod.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
America, Mediterranean to Tanzania
Distribution
Europe and western Asia.
Attracts
Hummingbirds
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Meadow; Naturalized Area; Woodland
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; English Garden; Garden for the Blind; Native Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden