Photo of Lupinus microcarpus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Lupinus microcarpus

Also Known As

  • Lupinus microcarpus var. microcarpus
  • Chick Lupine

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 12"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 1-11

Lupinus microcarpus plant details

Lupinus microcarpus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen annual / biennial with green foliage. In summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lupinus microcarpus

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 12 IN tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, floriferous, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lupinus microcarpus

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A very nice compact annual lupine growing to 1’. The seed was collected in the East Bay hills, making it the perfect lupine for the local California Native Garden. It is very floriferous with lots of bluish/mauve flower spikes & attracts a lot of nectaring insects. Each seed pod contains 2 seeds (a distinguishing characteristic) & will insure self-sowing. Do beware of birds & snails in the winter since they can devour the small seedlings.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Lupinus microcarpus plant

How to Grow Lupinus microcarpus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Lupinus for your garden

aka Silver Bush Lupine

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Lupinus albifrons flower by The Watershed Nursery
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More Options

aka Silvery Lupine

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 6"-60"

Width: 10"-60"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Lupinus argenteus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Yellow-eyed Lupine, Yelloweyes

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2"-8"

Width: 4"-10"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Lupinus flavoculatus flower, foliage, form by Stan Shebs
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aka Cobb Mountain Lupine

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8b-10b

Size

Height: 6"-20"

Width: 10"-36"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Lupinus sericatus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Arroyo Lupine, Hollowleaf Annual Lupine,

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Lupinus succulentus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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