Lupin
€6.95
Lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus) is a hardy herbaceous perennial that typically reaches 60–120 cm tall, forming attractive clumps of palmate green leaves and tall, upright flower spikes. In late spring and summer, it produces colourful pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white, or bicolour, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Although some lupin species are grown for edible seeds, ornamental garden lupins should not be eaten unless specifically identified as edible sweet lupin varieties. Lupin is easy to grow and is ideal for gardeners of all experience levels, bringing bold colour, vertical structure, pollinator support, and nitrogen-fixing benefits to borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and permaculture plantings.
Lupin thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moderately fertile to fertile soil enriched with organic matter. It is fully hardy in Ireland’s cool temperate climate and grows especially well in slightly acidic to neutral soils, while disliking heavy, waterlogged ground. As a member of the pea family, it can help fix nitrogen in partnership with soil microbes, making it useful in regenerative gardens where beauty, biodiversity, and soil health are all valued.
Quantity
Only 5 left in stock
Growing Instructions
Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Avoid waterlogged ground, especially in winter, and water regularly during dry spells while young plants are establishing. Apply a light mulch of compost, leaf mould, or woodchip in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and support healthy soil life.
Remove faded flower spikes to encourage a second flush of blooms and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Cut back old growth after flowering or in late autumn once the plant has died back naturally. Its colourful flower spikes, pollinator value, nitrogen-fixing ability, and strong ornamental form make it perfect for cottage gardens, edible borders, wildlife gardens, flower meadows, and permaculture systems seeking beauty, biodiversity, and soil-building plants.
