lupine
Lupinus hybrida
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
White, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple or bicolor Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,gray,gray
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Lupines need to be watered once a week during the warmer months. The amount of water will depend on the size and type of the lupine, as well as the conditions of the soil and air. Generally, you should aim to water mature lupines deeply, providing 1 to 2 inches of water each time. For newly planted lupines, you should water more frequently, providing 1 inch of water every 2 to 3 days. Additionally, lupines prefer soil that is slightly moist but not soggy. Make sure not to over-water the lupines as this can lead to root rot and kill the plants.
sunlight
Lupine (Lupinus hybrida) grows best in full sun exposure, with direct sunlight for at least 6 or more hours per day. Early morning sun is especially beneficial for this plant species as it provides a higher amount of UV radiation and helps promote healthy growth and bloom quality. Direct sun during the late afternoon or evening may be too intense and can actually damage the foliage. Lupine should be protected from prolonged exposure to intense, direct sunlight during noontime hours when the sun is at its strongest. With exposure to the right amount and type of sunlight, lupine plants will be healthy, vigorous, and will produce beautiful blooms.
pruning
Pruning Lupine (Lupinus hybrida) will depend on its form and desired final shape. For most lupine species, pruning is generally done to maintain the desired shape and size. It is best to prune during spring or early summer after the plants have finished blooming. This allows the plants to use any nutrients stored in the stems in order to promote new growth. When pruning a lupine, start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These should be cut away just above a healthy node or branch. Next, gently prune back the flowering stems from the previous season, removing about 1/3 of the current length. This will help to encourage the plant to produce more flowers for the new season. Lastly, if needed, lightly shape the plant, removing a few of the oldest branches and tips until you reach the desired shape. Once finished, be sure and not overdo it - lupine need some foliage and stems to provide adequate nutrients for the plant. Doing too much pruning at once can also reduce the flower production for the current season.
