Lupinus 'Chameleon'

RHS Plant Profile
lupin 'Chameleon'
lupin 'Chameleon' visionspictures.com
Herbaceous Perennial

Clump-forming perennial to 75cm with palmately-divided mid-green leaves. In early to mid-summer produces upright spires of closely packed, unusually coloured flowers about 45cm tall, the buds open yellow with a raspberry pink border along the petals. As the flower opens and matures, the top of the flower cluster is raspberry pink and the lower part yellow, with pale yellow wings flushed pale pink, aging darker pink

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light and slightly acid, well-drained or sandy soil in full sun or light shade. May need staking, see staking perennials. Ideal for container cultivation where soil conditions are not suitable. See lupin cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early to mid-spring or by basal stem cuttings in mid to late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails

Diseases

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