Lupinus chamissonis

Also Known As

Silver Bush Lupine

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-7'
W: 4'-10'

planting zones

9a-10b

More Options

Lupinus chamissonis plant details

Lupinus chamissonis is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue foliage. In spring and summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lupinus chamissonis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 4 FT - 10 FT - wide, 2 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: long-blooming, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lupinus chamissonis

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Named by early California botanist, Eschscoltz after his dear friend Adelbert von Chamisso, it was probably collected in 1824 on his second voyage to San Francisco. Excellent for restoration work along beaches and sand dunes, it is absolutely stunning bordered with Eschscholzia californica var. maritima. Plants grow to 3' with brilliant, shining silver foliage and blue flowers from late spring well into summer. We continue to work with darker-flowered forms from Montana de Oro. Coastal California to Washington.

By: Native Sons

We grew this in our garden beds last year and it was ever so lovely. The silvery foliage is great with the blue-purple flowers. Our picture of it in bloom doesn’t show how silver the foliage really is. But the other picture does. Growing to about 4’ tall and blooming March-July! Native to sandy beaches and dunes from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Takes some drought and tolerates salt spray. Coast Miwok tribes used the roots to make cords and ropes. This is a good plant to attract birds and butterflies to your garden.