Lupinus arboreus
tree lupin
A fast-growing medium-sized evergreen shrub with palmate grey-green leaves composed of leaflets, silky-hairy beneath, and fragrant, yellow, or rarely blue, flowers in erect racemes to 30cm in length in late spring and summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Lupinus can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with palmate leaves and showy terminal racemes of pea-like flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, sandy soil; best in full sun but can be grown in partial shade. Ideal for coastal situations in southern or mild counties where it can be grown in exposed situations but is likely to need shelter in colder areas with prolonged heavy frost
Propagation
Propagate by seed or basal cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning generally required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and lupin aphid
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, rots, a leaf spot and a virus
Get involved
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