Description
Lupinus, commonly known as lupines, are an attractive and versatile group of flowering plants that come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and yellow. They are particularly well-suited for cottage gardens, where they can be used to add height and texture to borders or mixed with other perennials, such as delphiniums, campanulas, or echinaceas. Lupines also make excellent cut flowers, thanks to their tall spikes of densely-packed blooms that appear in late spring to early summer. For best results, plant lupines in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance plants, but may require staking in windy areas. With their stunning blooms and ease of care, lupines are a great addition to any garden.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Lupin Beefeater [West Country]
- Hardiness:Fully hardy through most of the UK
- How big will I get? Lupinus ‘Beefeater’ can grow to a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m.
- Did You Know That:In ancient Rome, lupines were associated with the god Jupiter and were used in religious ceremonies.
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Lupinus ‘Beefeater’ prefers soil with good drainage and does not tolerate standing water. This plant is not tolerant of alkaline soil, it requires either a neutral or acidic soil to grow.
Best Position
Lupinus ‘Beefeater’ prefers a sheltered position and can cope with either full sun or partial shade.
Maintenance
Lupinus ‘Beefeater’ should be deadheaded regularly to promote new flowers coming through. This will prolong the flowering period of the plant as it saves the energy that the plant would have put into producing seeds and allows it to produce more flowers!
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Lupinus ‘Beefeater’ can have problems with aphids and slugs, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as powdery mildews and leaf spot. It is also known to attract bees. It is toxic to cats, dogs, horses and people.