When it arrives
Your plug tray
Lupines dislike root disturbance. Move 72-cell plugs into deep 4-inch pots without teasing the roots, or plant directly once hardened off. Plant out while still young, before the taproot circles.
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Lavender companion · grow guide
Lupine · Lupinus polyphyllus
Garden lupines want full sun, cool summers and well-drained, neutral to slightly acid soil that isn't too rich. They thrive in Michigan-style summers but are often short-lived, especially where summers are hot.
Check my zone & planting dates
Full sunLight
Low waterFast drainage
pH 5.5–7.0Soil
Zones 4a–8bHardiness
16″ tall9″ wide
Some resistanceDeer · rabbits some resistance
Toxic to petsPets
Garden lupines self-seed and are considered invasive in parts of New England. In Wisconsin they can hybridize with native wild lupine, the Karner blue butterfly's host. Deadhead before pods ripen. Seeds and pods are toxic.
Huckleberry saysTell me where you grow and I’ll check if Mini Gallery Pink Bicolor will thrive there.
Hardy in zones 4a–8b
Spring or early fall; plant young so the taproot isn't disturbed later.
Your year with Mini Gallery Pink Bicolor
When it arrives
Lupines dislike root disturbance. Move 72-cell plugs into deep 4-inch pots without teasing the roots, or plant directly once hardened off. Plant out while still young, before the taproot circles.
Spring or early fall; plant young so the taproot isn't disturbed later.
Plant at the same depth as in the plug, crown at soil level; don't break up the root ball.
12–18 inches for compact series, up to 2 feet for tall types.
Light, sandy or gravelly loam, low in nutrients · pH 5.5–7.0
Fix-it tip: Avoid lime and heavy fertilizer; they prefer neutral to slightly acid soil. Loosen clay deeply and add grit so the taproot isn't sitting wet.
Full sun (tolerates light afternoon shade in warm areas).
In shade they flower poorly and stretch.
Don’t give up on it
Palm-like leaves appear early in spring from the crown. First-year plants from plugs may bloom lightly; full bloom usually comes the second spring.
Early leaves; watch for aphids and slugs.
Bloom in late spring to early summer; deadhead and stake.
Cut back yellowed foliage.
Dormant; needs good drainage.
First season: Water regularly the first season; don't let plugs dry out.
After that: Moderately drought tolerant thanks to a taproot; water in dry spells while blooming.
Rarely needed. Lupines fix their own nitrogen; feeding gives leaves instead of flowers.
Cut spent spikes at the base to encourage side spikes and limit self-seeding. Stake tall varieties. Cut back foliage after it yellows.
Not recommended; the deep taproot rarely survives division. Replace with new plants or seedlings.
Very cold hardy. Wet winter soil is the main threat.
Dislikes hot, humid summers; often declines after bloom and may not return in warm regions.
Large gray aphids coating stemsLikely cause: Lupine aphid
What to do: Hose off, crush, or use insecticidal soap early
White powder on leaves after bloomLikely cause: Powdery mildew
What to do: Cut back foliage; improve air flow
Plant gone after 2–3 yearsLikely cause: Naturally short-lived or wet winter soil
What to do: Let a few seedlings grow or replant in better drainage
Wilting new growth means dry; yellowing with collapsing stems at the base means wet soil or rot.
Lupines contain alkaloids known to poison livestock; seeds and pods are most toxic. Keep pets from chewing plants and pods.
Deer: somewhat resistant · Rabbits: somewhat resistant
Finnegan saysStill not sure what’s wrong? Ask Plant Health — describe it or add a photo.
Possible, with care · 3 gallon+
Use a deep pot for the taproot and a gritty mix; protect in winter.
Outdoor plant
Needs cool outdoor conditions and winter dormancy.
Best after a cold winter
Overwintered plants bloom far better than first-year plants.
Plugs from the tray
3–4 inch pots for 3–5 weeks, until roots hold the soil
Garden bed or a 3 gallon potTime to move up? Slide the plant out: if white roots wrap the outside of the soil, it’s ready for the next size.
Planting with lavender
Plant it near your lavender
Same full sun and good drainage, but lupines prefer slightly acid soil while lavender likes neutral to alkaline. Plant them in a neighboring sunny bed; they bloom just before lavender.
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