How to Grow Lupine Flowers (Lupinus)

Sun exposure: Plant lupine in full sun in areas with cool summers, but give them filtered sunlight in warmer climates. “Although full sun is best for outstanding blooms, you may have to compromise and plant them in partial shade in order to keep them cool and happy,” says Hodgson.

Will Lupine grow in Michigan?
Where is the best place to plant lupine?
Do lupines come back every year?
Do lupines like sun or shade?
Are poppies native to Michigan?
Why are wildflowers called wildflowers?
Do Lupines flower the first year?
Is Lupine an invasive plant?
What can I plant next to lupines?
Is Lupine poisonous to dogs?
Do lupines bloom more than once?
Do lupines self seed?

Will Lupine grow in Michigan?

Wild lupine, for instance, is an attractive, coveted plant that does just fine on dry, sandy sites. ... Known to botanists as Lupinus perennis, it's the only host plant for the Karner Blue butterfly caterpillar, a threatened species in Michigan.

Where is the best place to plant lupine?

Lupines prefer full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days, to grow and bloom their best. They can grow in partial shade, but their flowering will be diminished. However, some afternoon shade is ideal in hot climates. If you plant lupines in deep shade, they typically won't flower.

Do lupines come back every year?

The most important thing to note before planting Lupines, is that they are available as both annuals and perennials. While Lupine seeds may yield both annual (life cycle complete in one growing season) and perennial (long-lived, coming back each spring) varieties, potted Lupine plants are typically perennial cultivars.

Do lupines like sun or shade?

Lupines prefer moist, sandy, well-drained soil and cool temperatures. They can succeed on heavier soils, but you really need to loosen the soil for their long taproots. Select a spot in full sun or light shade. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 1 to 1-½ foot.

Are poppies native to Michigan?

Stylophorum diphyllum (Michx.) Nutt. Deciduous forests, rather local. This is our only native yellow-flowered poppy.

Why are wildflowers called wildflowers?

A wildflower (or wild flower) is a flower that grows in the wild, meaning it was not intentionally seeded or planted. ... The term can refer to the flowering plant as a whole, even when not in bloom, and not just the flower.

Do Lupines flower the first year?

Lupines (Lupinus spp.) make a spectacular statement in the perennial garden with their tall spikes of pealike flowers. ... Bloom times vary depending on growing conditions and planting methods, but lupines usually bloom the first year after planting.

Is Lupine an invasive plant?

In a nutshell, it is an invasive plant that can crowd native species out of their preferred habitats. Also, their seeds are toxic to animals if too many are consumed, which could threaten both grazing farm animals and native herbivores. This does not mean that Bigleaf lupine is always harmful, however.

What can I plant next to lupines?

Fortunately, several species of flower have the height and heartiness to grow next to the lupine without being overshadowed.

Iris. The iris shares similar growing requirements with the lupine without stealing the spotlight from the blue, cone-shaped flowers. ...
Shasta Daisies. ...
Columbines. ...
Oriental Poppies.

Is Lupine poisonous to dogs?

Warning: Plants in the genus Lupinus, especially the seeds, can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. POISONOUS PARTS: Seeds. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include respiratory depression and slow heartbeat, sleepiness, convulsions.

Do lupines bloom more than once?

Lupine flowers may be annual and last only for a season, or perennial, returning for a few years in the same spot in which they were planted. The lupine plant grows from a long taproot and does not like to be moved.

Do lupines self seed?

Native lupines:

densiflorus var. aureus), a California native. Once they settle into a hospitable environment, they will grow there indefinitely by self-sowing.