Photo of Lupinus formosus foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Show all photos

Lupinus formosus

Also Known As

  • Summer Lupine

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Lupinus formosus plant details

Lupinus formosus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with blue foliage. In spring and summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lupinus formosus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: fragrant, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lupinus formosus

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This Lupine has beautiful soft gray foliage and the leaves are slightly furry. The branches trail along the ground and the plant tends to stay at about 3’ tall or under. The spikes of purple-blue flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies. Found on dry slopes in California, ok with clay soil, just not soggy clay.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Lupinus formosus plant

How to Grow Lupinus formosus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

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
View Plant

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
View Plant

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
View Plant

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
View Plant

More Options

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
View Plant

More Options

+53 more Lupinus
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved