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

More Options

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

Lupinus polyphyllus is known as the large-leaved or bigleaf lupine. It is native to western North America from Alaska and BC south to California. It is also the garden lupin and the basis of all our garden hybrids. It is a large species with flowers blooming 3-5 feet high usually in purple-blue with white. Pollinated by bumblebees. It is a larval host to many butterfly species. Photo: Wikipedia.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

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.

By: Desert Jewels Nursery

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!