Lupinus polyphyllus is a species of lupine native to western North America. It commonly grows along streams and creeks, preferring moist habitats. Lupines are an ideal flower for beginners, requiring less than an hour of care per growing month. Lupine telltale look is a tall, showy spire of flowers that can come in a multitude of color varieties with impressive grayish-green textured foliage. People once believed that lupine flowers soaked up all of the nutrients from the soil, leading to its common name, derived from the Latin word for wolf. However, Lupinus plants are members of the pea family, Fabaceae, and like peas, the plants are capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil. If the growing conditions are right, lupine flowers are equally at home in the garden or on the side of the road. Lupines bloom over a two-month period, which can range from May to July, depending on the variety and the growing zone.
While lupines don't like soggy soil, which can cause root rot, they prefer regular waterings. water at least weekly if you haven't gotten rainfall to prevent the soil from drying out.
They need well-drained, moisture-retentive soil, so add lots of organic matter when planting. In heavy clay soils, plant the bulbs on a layer of coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage.
These are very hardy plants, surviving extreme temperatures withstanding frost to at least -25°C (-13°F).
Ceramic pots are the most popular type of containers for houseplants today. You'll find them in all kinds of styles, colors, and sizes. At one time, the clay pot was the most common container for indoor plants. When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size.
