russell lupins

Do lupins like full sun or shade?

All lupins like well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid planting in shade, as flowering will be poor.

Where do lupins grow best?

Where to grow lupins. Lupins do best in full sun or dappled shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Like many other perennials with tall flowers, lupins benefit from a sheltered position. Grow them towards the back of a border.

Are Russell lupins perennial?

Russell lupins are the popular flowering lupins that have flower spikes that can grow as tall as 1m in height. These perennials flower in a wide variety of colours.

How do Russell lupins grow?

Plant Lupins in a sunny, well drained, compost rich soil. Add liquid fertiliser regularly when in growth for maximum flower power. It is a good idea to protect your Russell Lupins from slugs and snails, as they find them delicious.

Will lupines spread?

Lupines are deep rooted and do not spread except through re-seeding. Seeds will not come true to the original variety planted, but will eventually revert to blue-violet and white.

Do lupines self seed?

Do lupines self sow? They can if you allow them to go to seed. Their offspring may not be true to type.

Do lupins come back every year?

Lupins are perennial (i.e. they come up year after year) shrubs which start into growth after the last frosts, produce their first flush of flowers in late May / June and can continue flowering into early August if dead-headed correctly (see below).

Are lupines invasive?

In a nutshell, it is an invasive plant that can crowd native species out of their preferred habitats. Also, their seeds are toxic to animals if too many are consumed, which could threaten both grazing farm animals and native herbivores.

Why do farmers grow lupins?

Lupins. Lupins produce the best quality protein of virtually any crop. ... It is the cost of protein which causes feedstuffs to be the biggest single cost on UK livestock / dairy units. If this protein can be produced on-farm, then the feed costs can be dramatically reduced.

What is the best time to plant lupins?

Although there is some leeway with when to plant (we mentioned February to September for sowing earlier), Lupins stand to do best when sown in early March, hardened off in late April and planted out in early May. If you are harvesting seeds, this should be done in late summer, around early August.

Are lupins frost hardy?

They are very hardy herbaceous perennials, withstanding frost to at least -25C. In very wet conditions, lupins may succumb to crown rot but if well established, will survive most conditions.

What can I plant with lupins?

Lupins are useful in the garden as they emerge and flower early, hiding daffodil foliage. Once they have finished they can look ragged, but hostas, delphiniums and peonies hide their foliage well. Deep-blue lupins flatter darker peonies and apricot lupins look stunning used with blue hardy geraniums and campanulas.

What do lupins look like when growing?

The lupine plant grows from a long taproot and does not like to be moved. ... Wildflowers of the lupine plant generally come in in hues of blues and white, although domesticated lupines offer flowers in blues, yellows, pinks and purples. Tall, spiky racemes produce lupine flowers similar to those of the sweet pea plant.

Why are my lupines dying?

Sclerotinia stem rot – White, cotton-like fungus grows around the stem, and parts of the plant above it wither and die. The fungus lives in the soil and mostly affects plants in wet regions. Don't plant lupines in the same spot again for several years after this Sclerotinia stem rot occurs.

Do I deadhead Lupine?

Lupines respond well to deadheading. Yes, you can cut the spent blooms and you may even get a second round of blooms if you do.

Do Lupines flower the first year?

Lupines (Lupinus spp.) make a spectacular statement in the perennial garden with their tall spikes of pealike flowers. ... Bloom times vary depending on growing conditions and planting methods, but lupines usually bloom the first year after planting.

How long does it take for Lupine to grow from seed?

The seed coat is tough, so seeds have a better germination rate if you nick the seed coat or soak it in water overnight. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep outdoors in a permanent area that receives full sun; lupines do not transplant easily due to their long taproots. Expect germination in 14 to 30 days.

Are lupines toxic to dogs?

Lupines contain alkaloids that are known to be toxic to humans and animals. Though toxicity has been predominantly noted in livestock, the danger of poisoning in dogs is a possibility.

Do lupines rebloom?

Although they bloom for only part of the growing season, using the rest of the season to store energy for the next year, you can help a lupine make a second round of flowers by deadheading -- a simple process that can have big rewards.

How do I stop snails eating my lupins?

You could try putting crushed egg shell around the base of the lupins, or coffee grounds, or a mulch of chippings, some people say the copper plant bands work as repellants as well.