Lupine

Lupinus is a diverse genus with flower spikes made of many small, pea-shaped blooms and palmately divided leaves. Plants range from annuals and herbaceous border perennials to evergreen shrubby tree lupins, so their mature size, flowering time and cold tolerance vary widely. The Royal Horticultural Society notes that lupins attract pollinating insects and recommends a warm, sunny position with well-drained soil in [its growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/lupins/growing-guide). ## Landscape Use Use appropriately sized species or cultivars in cottage-garden borders, gravel gardens, containers or informal plantings. Select a named plant for a specific height, color or hardiness requirement rather than assuming the whole genus shares those traits. ## Growing Conditions Most garden lupins flower best in full sun and free-draining soil. Water new plants regularly during their first growing season, especially in dry spells; established plants in the ground generally need less supplemental water. ## Maintenance Cut faded flower spikes down to the base to encourage further flowering in border lupins. Wear gloves when handling plants, as the RHS cautions that all parts of lupins are poisonous.