PerennialsLupinus polyphyllus
Lupin
The lupin is a striking perennial with tall, candle-shaped flower spikes in spectacular colours. From June to July, this plant adorns the garden with blue, pink, purple, or white flower spires. The palmate leaves form a decorative foliage canopy. As a legume, the lupin enriches the soil with nitrogen.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 80–120 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue, pink, purple, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil. Lupins dislike chalky or heavy clay ground. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Support tall flower stems with plant stakes in windy locations.
Pruning tips
Remove spent flower stems immediately after blooming to encourage a second flush. Cut the plant back to ground level in autumn. Divide plants every three to four years in spring to keep them vigorous.
Good companions
PerennialsEchinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.
PerennialsAchillea millefolium
Yarrow
Yarrow is a robust native perennial with finely divided, fern-like foliage and flat flower clusters in yellow, white, or pink. The plant blooms prolifically from June to September, attracting countless pollinators. Yarrow is remarkably drought-resistant and fits almost any garden style, from prairie borders to wildflower meadows.