TL
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Lupinus( Russell Hybrid)
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Lupine, Russell Hybrid Lupine
General Description
‘Russell Hybrid’ lupines are the darlings of the cool climate summer garden, where their tall spires of pea-shaped blooms appear in a virtual rainbow of colors, ranging from white through many shades and combinations of blue, red, yellow, orange and purple. These fabulous perennials were originally bred in Yorkshire, England from the American native Lupinus polyphillus, which lends its genes to many other contemporary lupine hybrids. Because they abhor the heat, ‘Russell Hybrid’ lupines are best suited to areas with moderate summer temperatures, where their bright columns of bloom appear from late spring through early summer.
A hallmark of the traditional English cottage garden, hybrid lupines create a strong, vertical statement in the border, and are often seen planted in large groups of mixed colors. Their bold blooms make excellent, sturdy cut flowers.
Most hybrid lupines thrive in light, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Plant them in a sunny location, but offer protection from direct afternoon sunlight in warmer climates, as they prefer cool temperatures and will suffer in the heat. Lupines develop a fast-growing taproot which can be distorted if the plants are grown in nursery containers for too long. Choose only young seedlings to maximize rooting potential, or start from seed directly in the ground.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
24"-36" / 61.0cm - 91.4cm
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Width
12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Blue, Purple, Orange
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
