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
Can lupins be grown in pots?
Can lupins be grown in pots? Yes, and they commonly are. Read on to find what size pots and what you need to do for the best results!
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 long do Lupins flower for?
I'm sad to say that Lupins are a short flowering plant. The flowering spikes are fantastic but they don't like to hang around.
Are Lupins Poisonous?
This depends on the variety, some are and can cause digestive discomfort to humans if eaten.
Are lupins perennials or annuals?
Lupins are perennials, they come back year after year. However they are not hugely long-lived plants, expect them to last for around 6 years.
How long do lupins last?
Lupins are not a hugely long-lived perennial, with great care and the perfect growing conditions they can last 10 years