Lupinus mutabilis
pearl lupin
An erect, bushy annual with blue-green leaves of seven to nine leaflets and upright spires of small, pea-like flowers with pale purple-blue keels, yellow standards and deep blue wings. The seeds can be processed to make them edible
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Lupinus can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with palmate leaves and showy terminal racemes of pea-like flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, light, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light, dappled shade
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage more flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and lupin aphid
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, rots, a leaf spot and a virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.