Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Lupinus polyphyllus

bigleaf lupin

Strong, upright, deciduous perennial to 1.5m tall, producing a mound of large, long-stalked mid-green leaves divided into slender leaflets up to 12cm long. Large flower spikes to 40cm tall, of pea-like, blue, purple or reddish flowers are produced in summer

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 30% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to the UK
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

Plant range
Western N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light and slightly acid, well-drained or sandy soil in full sun or light shade. May need staking, see staking perennials. See lupin cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early to mid-spring or by basal stem cuttings in mid to late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to lupin aphid, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to lupin anthracnose, Powdery mildews 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.