Lupine (Lupinus)
A family name that's worth seeing. The lupine belongs to the Fabaceae family. The magnificent flowering candles with their small butterfly-shaped flowers look particularly good in rural and natural gardens. This classic cottage garden plant also has soil-improving properties, as it enriches it with nitrogen.

Growth form
The approximately 80 – 120 cm tall, upright, dense to bushy and unbranched perennial has short-stalked, palmately divided, elliptical, lanceolate dark to bluish-green leaves.
blossom
Lupins bloom from May and June, sometimes into August. The impressive flower spikes, with their numerous, butterfly-like blossoms, exude a slightly peppery scent.
They are single- or bicolored and range in color from white, pink, blue, violet, yellow, and carmine red. The flower spikes bloom from bottom to top.
Location requirements
Lupins require a sunny and sheltered location, but can also be planted in partial shade if necessary. They thrive in moderately nutrient-rich, light, deep, low-lime, and not overly wet soils. Two to four plants are needed per square meter.
Care
To encourage the lupine to rebloom, you should prune the plant immediately after flowering. In spring, it is recommended to water the perennial well and protect it from slug infestation. It is important to prevent the lupine from self-seeding, as the newly emerging plants would only produce blue, patchy flower clusters.
Other species and recommended varieties
Lupinus 'Russell Hybrid': These approximately 90–120 cm tall hybrids have single- or bicolor inflorescences in blue, yellow, pink, or white. They are characterized by their vibrant, flower-laden lances.
'Manhatten Lights': It is purple with a white flag and reaches a height of 100 cm.
'Minarette': It reaches a height of 60 cm and grows compactly. It is available in mixed colors.
TEXT Swantje Holtmann