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The Perennial Garden: Lupinus

Lupinus Polyphyllus, Lupine. Lupinus blooms in late May and June, the flowers come in white, blue, and shades of pink. They require a rich soil containing no lime, are not fond of being transplanted and should remain undisturbed for a number of years. [68] When allowed to go to seed, the plants will seed themselves, the little seedlings are best transferred to 3inch pots, kept shaded and watered, and may be moved into the garden by September or the following spring, depending upon their size. By planting in pots, instead of in the open ground, the root systems can be kept practically undisturbed and thus the transplanting is made less difficult. If seed is purchased plant 3 or 4 seeds in a 3-inch pot, later thin to one seedling if all germinate. Sow by June 1st in order to have as long a season for growth as possible; the plants will give some bloom the following June, but will not reach their height until the second year. The soil moisture should be conserved by means of frequent cultivation as lupins, especially when they are young, should never be allowed to dry out too much. In dry spells some artificial watering must be supplied.

Varieties. Lupinus Polyphyllus, blue, P. Rosea, pink, P. Alba, white. Lupinus Polyphyllus variety Moerheimii comes in pink and white and blooms a few days later than the other varieties.