Lupinus perennis

RHS Plant Profile
wild lupine

Other common names

old maid's bonnets, perennial lupine, Quaker bonnets, sundial, sundial lupin

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial, 60-80cm high, with palmate leaves of up to 11 leaflets. Whorls of pea-like flowers, usually violet-blue but rarely pink or white, are borne on densely hairy, upright stems from late spring to early summer, followed by hairy green pods of seeds

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
1–2 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
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
Correct
Plant Range
SE Canada, E USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Water well in summer dry spells. See lupin cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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