Lupinus arboreus 'Lavender Spires'
A fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub to around 2m high, with palmate grey-green leaves divided into 6-9 leaflets and silky-hairy beneath. Tall clusters of fragrant, pea-like flowers, in shades of pale lavender and violet, are borne at the tips of the stems in late spring and summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, ideally slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun. Ideal for coastal situations in southern or mild counties, but will need protection in colder areas with heavy frosts. May be short-lived for a shrub
Propagation
Propagate by basal or softwood cuttings in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning required; can be trimmed to shape after flowering but avoid cutting into old wood
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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