Lupinus nanus

RHS Plant Profile
dwarf blue lupin
Annual Biennial

A compact, bushy annual, 20-60cm high, with palmate leaves divided into up to 9 narrow leaflets. Stems and leaf undersides are coated with downy silvery hairs. Whorls of bicoloured pea-like flowers are borne on upright stems in late spring and early summer. Flowers are usually deep blue, or sometimes purple, pink or white, and always with a whitish blotch in the centre of the upper petal

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Lupinus can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with palmate leaves and showy terminal racemes of pea-like flowers
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun. See lupin cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seeds are required

Pests

May be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, lupin anthracnose and virus diseases