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
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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.