Lupins
Lupins are a beautiful flower that you will find in many British gardens. Lupins are a staple of British cottage gardens, famed for both their height and colour. Originally hailing from the Mediterranean they are a perennial that will greet you with a gorgeous summer display year after year. They produce a large flowering spike that is full of colour and each plant can have lots of these spikes leading to a fabulous display. They will begin to flower around may and can last well into June. The flowers do go to seed quite quickly but your lupin will continue to produce more and more new spikes. To get the best out of these spikes though it is essential to deadhead the old spikes to give the new ones chance top flourish.
Close up of flowering lupins
What to do with lupins after flowering?
You have two main choices for what to do with your Lupins after they have flowered, you can deadhead the flower spike. This will encourage new flower growth giving you another beautiful floral display and extend the flowering season of the lupin.
Or, you could let the flower go to seed. You can then grow new lupins from the seed pods.
Getting your lupin ready for winter
After dealing with the flower spikes you need to start getting your lupin ready for winter. as the autumn nights start drawing in it will be time to think about cutting your lupin back. To help your Lupin survive the cold winter nights it is highly advisable to cut it right back to base in late Autumn. While this may seem harsh the plant will be just fine as all its energy will be stored up in the roots. The plant will then be ready to explode back into life come spring, bringing you better than ever growth and flowering.
Overwintering your lupins
The vast majority of Lupins will be just fine left outdoors over a British winter. It is worth noting however that post grown lupins will be more vulnerable as all pot grown plants are so moving them into a greenhouse or another sheltered spot is advisable.
The heart of you lupin plant is deep down in the roots so they survive cold spells just fine.
Recommended Reading
Where do lupins originate from?
Where do lupins originate from? Lupins are part of the Legume family which grow all over the world.
Greenfly on lupins
Greenfly is a common garden pest and they just love lupins. If left alone they can cause serious damage so remove them quick!
How to deadhead lupins
Learn how to deadhead lupins in our simple, easy to follow guide. These simple steps will have your lupins looking great all summer!
Can you grow lupins from the seed pods?
Lupins can be grown from the pods after their vibrant flower display. Read on to find out the best way to grow your lupins from seed pods!
When do lupins flower?
Lupins are a beautiful flower that you will find in many British gardens. But when do lupins flower? And how long will the blooms last?
Are Lupins Poisonous?
This depends on the variety, some are and can cause digestive discomfort to humans if eaten.