Thermopsis montana var. montana

RHS Plant Profile
mountain false lupin

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Synonyms

Thermopsis rhombifolia var. montana

Herbaceous Perennial
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A suckering herbaceous perennial, up to 40cm in height, with narrow green foliage and dense spikes of lupin or pea-like bright yellow flowers which appear from May to June

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Thermopsis are lupin-like rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect stems, leaves with three leaflets, and yellow or purple flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; cut down faded flower spikes to just above ground level; has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked. Dig out roots if the plant spreads into unwanted areas

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

No pruning required, but if the faded flower spikes are cut down to just above ground level there may be a second flush of flowering in early autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free