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

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Lupinus polyphyllus

Also Known As

  • Big-leaved Lupine
  • Blue Pod Lupine
  • Large-leaved Lupine

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 4a-10b

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Lupinus polyphyllus plant details

Lupinus polyphyllus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lupinus polyphyllus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 4 FT tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lupinus polyphyllus

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This species is native to western North America from southern Alaska and British Columbia east to Alberta and western Wyoming, and south to Utah and California. It commonly grows along streams and creeks, preferring moist habitats. Big leaf lupine grows 3-5 ft tall. This species was one of the base species for many of the hybrids which are generally grown as garden lupines. Our regional big leaf lupine is the subspecies Lupinus polyphyllus ssp. polyphyllus.
Who needs those wimpy ‘Russell Hybirds’ Lupines when you can grow the original California native ancestor? Noble spires of blue or purple flowers reach to 4’ tall & appear in Summer above the stand-out large & robust foliage to 3’ across. Native to most places in the Western U.S., grow it in average-rich soil with regular water for best show. Cut flowers, hummers, bees, butterflies & birds galore!

Gardening facts about Lupinus polyphyllus plant

How to Grow Lupinus polyphyllus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

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