Lupinus nootkatensis
Nootka lupin
A robust, clump-forming perennial, up to around 1m high, with velvety palmate leaves divided into 6-8 narrow leaflets. Whorls of lightly scented, pea-like flowers, usually blue and white but sometimes pink, purple or pure white, are borne on densely hairy, upright stems in early summer, followed by hairy green pods of seeds
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- 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 light, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun. Water well in summer dry spells.
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Will self-seed and may spread rapidly in ideal conditions
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seeds are required
Pests
May be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, lupin anthracnose and virus diseases
Get involved
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