Mixed Lupines

Bare root lupines should be planted in fall, after the growing season has ended. They perform best when they're transplanted as dormant plants. These plants bloom in early summer, so planting in the fall gives them plenty of time to 'settle in' and prepare for the coming growing season.

While some species of lupines are annuals—meaning that they only grow for a single season—most lupines that are planted as bareroots are perennials. However, note that lupines are relatively short-lived perennials, when compared to native plants or others that return for decades. The large blooms and small stature of these plants means that lupines tend to "burn themselves out" by expending energy on big flowers season after season. You can expect to see your lupines for two to five consecutive years, and then you may need to purchase new lupine bulbs.

These easy-to-care-for and easy-to-love perennials are a breeze to plant. Make sure to give them their best start with good planting practices, and check our tips for caring for lupines to extend their lives:

Planting Mixed Lupines:
Lupines should be planted in full sun, although they can tolerate a bit of shade. Make sure that your lupines are planted in well-draining soil. Aerate your soil before planting, and add compost or loam if your yard suffers from heavy soil, but don't allow raw compost to touch the roots or crowns of your plants. When you're ready to plant, plant your lupines to the depth at which they were potted or to the crown of a bareroot plant, and water them in very well.

In-Season Care for Mixed Lupines
Lupines grow tall quickly, so some support for their flower spikes is necessary.. Place support spikes around the plants at planting time to avoid disturbing the root system once they reach full height. You can now use twine to tie your lupines to the supports as they grow. Make sure to water your lupines adequately, but let the soil dry out between waterings. After they are established, you won't need to water so frequently. Remove spent flower spikes after they've faded, as deadheading can encourage a second round of flowers and keep the plant from spending its energy on seed production.

End of Season Care for Mixed Lupines
Cut back your lupines after frost hits, and spread a thin layer of mulch over the lupines if you live in a cooler area. Although lupines last for a limited number of seasons, you can help extend their lives with good care.

When planted in the fall, lupines will sprout and bloom the following spring. If you're growing lupines in containers, they'll germinate, or sprout, in about ten days, and can take several more weeks to flower.

Lupines prefer full sun, and their height makes them perfect for planting in the back of a bed or border, or along a fence row. Lupines appreciate cool, moist areas and make excellent additions to woodland-style plantings. They make a nice addition to foxgloves or delphiniums, behind shorter plants.