Lupinus nootkatensis

RHS Plant Profile
Nootka lupin

Other common names

dwarf perennial lupin

Herbaceous Perennial

A robust, clump-forming perennial, up to around 1m high, with velvety palmate leaves divided into 6-8 narrow leaflets. Whorls of lightly scented, pea-like flowers, usually blue and white but sometimes pink, purple or pure white, are borne on densely hairy, upright stems in early summer, followed by hairy green pods of seeds

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 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
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
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. Water well in summer dry spells. See lupin cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Will self-seed and may spread rapidly in ideal conditions

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Banks and slopes
  • Cut flowers
  • 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