Lupinus polyphyllus

    Lupinus - please refer to plant caretag for specific variety information

Common name - Dwarf Lupine / Minarette Mix

Flowering period - Blooms in early to mid summer.

Features - Majestic spikes of showy blooms make a bold statement in the landscape. The leaves are palmately compound with (5-) 9-17 leaflets 3-15 cm long. The flowers are produced on a tall spike, each flower 1-1.5 cm long, most commonly blue to purple in wild plants. The polyphyllus variety in particular make up a great number of the hybrids which are generally grown as garden lupins, they can vary dramatically in colours.

Spacing - Plant 12" to 16" apart (30 - 40 cm)

Height - Grows 20" tall (50 cm)

Soil and water - Best in slightly acidic, fertile, well drained soil. The majority of lupins do not thrive in rich heavy soils, and often only live for a matter of years if grown in such places, crown contact with manure or rich organic matter encourages rotting. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings.

Light requirements - Plant in sun to part shade.

Best use - Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. It commonly grows along streams and creeks, preferring moist habitats.

Growing tips - Easy to grow and very rewarding. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season.

Hardiness - Hardy to USDA zone 4 to 8

Perennial definition

A perennial is any plant that lives for three or more years when it is grown in conditions to its liking is called perennial.

Planning your garden

For beginners it is important to draw a garden layout plan

• Choose plants suitable for the site (sun vs. shade, soil, etc)

• Arrange plants according to their height

• Arrange according to plant form and texture

• Arrange according to flowering periods for constant blooming

• Arrange in groupings by type and color considerations

Perennials - FAQs

Q - When should I cut down my perennial plants?
A - It is often a matter of choice, but the easiest way to know whether to cut down a plant at the end of the season is if it has finished flowering; has browning or dying leaves; is grown leggy or too bushy.

Q - How do I know if my garden mums are perennial?
A - Leave them in the ground until the next Spring, and then check for new growth below the crown. If you see new green growth, cut the stems down and plant over until they come back in late summer or early fall.

Q - Which perennials tolerate drought?
A - Purple coneflower (or Echinacea) and aster will tolerate drought well.

Q - When is the best time to water my plants?
A - Early morning is best, because plants have a chance to soak up the moisture. Watering late in the evening can promote disease in plants.

Q - What is the difference between an annual and a perennial?
A - An Annual goes through its life cycle in one summer, a perennial will bloom summer after summer.

Q - What is the difference between a biennial and a perennial?
A - A biennial plant is a flowering plant that takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle, a perennial will bloom summer after summer.

Q - Should I divide my perennials, how often?
A - Some plants will need to be divided every 3-5 years. If your plant looks crowded and doesn't appear to be blooming as it used to, then it might be time to divide it.

Q - Can I grow perennials in containers?
A - Yes you can, and there are many benefits. Although you may not be able to over-winter perennials in containers because they may not tolerate the harder freeze.

Q - How much fertilizer should I use to make my flower beds look good?
A - Different plants need different fertilizers, fertilizing once every 2 weeks will promote strong healthy plant growth. Too much fertilizer can be bad.

Q - How far apart should I plant my perennials?
A - Consult the plant care tag and consider the height and width of the plant once it reached it's full size.