Red lupine
Lupinus ruber · Fabaceae
⚠️ Lupinus : graines et feuilles contiennent des alcaloïdes toxiques par ingestion pour chiens, chats et enfants ; troubles digestifs graves.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant red lupine: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to July
- Adult size
- Approximately 80 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Good, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic
- Family
- Fabaceae (legumes)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Lupinus ruber, tougher than most, loves slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. Fall sowing produces the most vigorous plants.
The common mistake
Planting small potted plants in flower in April: not enough time to establish roots, weak flowering.
The pro's trick
Sow in October directly in place, light winter mulch.
Care
Sunlight
Red lupin appreciates a location in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct light daily. This promotes abundant and generous flowering. A slightly shaded spot in the afternoon, in very hot regions, can be beneficial.
Watering
Water regularly during the growth and flowering period, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once flowering is complete. A mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Soil
Choose well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Improve overly compact soil with compost or potting soil. Avoid chalky soils or those too rich in nitrogen, which reduce flowering in favor of foliage.
Pruning
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Once flowering is completely finished, you can cut back the plant. Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. As a member of the legume family, lupin fixes atmospheric nitrogen: excess nitrogen would harm flowering. Favor a moderate potassium boost during the growing season.
Diseases and Pests
Red lupin can be affected by powdery mildew in humid and warm weather. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid watering the foliage. Watch for aphids and treat preventively if needed.
Did you know?
Red lupin long fascinated European horticulturists of the 19th century, who intensively hybridized it with other species. These spectacular flowers, with densely flowering spikes, symbolize botanical ingenuity and horticultural exchange between continents. Like all fabaceas, lupin naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen, making it a valuable ally for traditional gardeners.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.