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Herbaceous Perennial

Lupinus 'Bishop's Tipple'

lupin 'Bishop's Tipple'

A bushy, clump-forming perennial to 80cm high, with bright green, palmate leaves divided into narrow leaflets. Dense spikes of bicoloured flowers, with pale ivory upper petals and rich violet wings, are produced in early to mid summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil; prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. Water well in summer dry spells. Tall plants may require support (see staking: perennials)

Propagation

Propagate from basal softwood cuttings in mid spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel 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 powdery mildews, lupin anthracnose and virus diseases

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