Lupine Flower Guide: How to Grow and Care for Lupine Flowers

Lupine flowers are garden plants that belong to the pea family (Fabaceae) which bloom showy, colorful flower spires. Lupine flowers can be grown as either an annual or a short-lived perennial plant growing for three to four years. These nitrogen-fixing legumes sprout colorful blue, white, purple, or bicolor conical flower spikes that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Lupines are often used for landscape decor or ground cover, or even consumption. There are around 200 species of lupine flowers, including Lupinus perennis, also known as the wild lupine or blue lupine, and Lupinus texensis (also known as the “Texas bluebonnet”) is the official state flower of Texas in the United States.

Lupine wildflowers can grow natively in North America, and you can also plant them in containers or gardens. Lupines thrive best in USDA hardiness zones four through eight, and should be planted in the late spring or early fall for winter germination, which means that your flowers will bloom between late spring and mid-summer. They can also be planted in the early spring for later bloom times.

Lupines do not transplant or divide well and are best planted from seed. However, some perennial species may be propagated through basal stem cuttings. Here is an overview of how to plant lupine flowers from a seed.

1. 1. Soak the seeds. Lupines have hard seed coats that need a little assistance to properly germinate. Soak seeds in a bowl of warm water overnight. For a cold stratification method, place them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag, and place them in the fridge for seven days.
2. 2. Prepare your planting spot. Lupines prefer slightly acidic soil with good drainage in the full sun but may tolerate partial shade. Before your seeds germinate, you should prioritize sunlight to encourage the plant to grow. Loosen the soil about 12 to 18 inches to set your lupine up to grow long taproots.
3. 3. Sow seeds directly into the soil. Lupine seeds can be sown directly into the soil at a depth of around one-quarter inch. Cover loosely with topsoil, and water until the soil is evenly moist. Your lupine flowers will likely not bloom until the following spring, but you can protect your seedlings with a layer of mulch to protect them from drying out.

Lupines are relatively low-maintenance flowering plants and do not require a lot of care after planting.

1. 1. Check for pests and diseases. Mature lupines are rabbit and deer-resistant but may fall victim to aphids, pillbugs, or powdery mildew. Use an organic pesticide to take care of big infestations.
2. 2. Mulch your plants. Established lupines have deep roots and don’t require heavy, frequent watering. Only water your established plants when the soil is on the drier side, and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain more moisture and keep the roots cool.
3. 3. Water your germinating seeds. As your plant is establishing itself, you should water it at least once a week.
4. 4. Deadhead your flower blooms. If you’re using your lupine plant as hedging or bordering, it’s a good idea to remove spent flower blooms at the end of the season to help your perennial lupine plant focus on new growth. However, if you just want your lupines to keep replanting themselves, you can let them go to seed and they will self-sow to bloom the following spring.
5. 5. Avoid fertilizing. Lupines fix their own nitrogen, which means they likely won’t need any additional soil amendments. Too much nitrogen will keep the foliage lush and green, but it will inhibit the growth of the flower spikes.
6. 6. Stake your tall plants. Some lupines can grow up to four feet tall and may require staking for additional support. If you notice your plants drooping under the weight of their flowers, attach them to stakes to help keep them upright.

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