Russell My Castle Red Lupine

Russell My Castle Red lupine is an upright, seed-raised perennial with dense, fragrant racemes in brick-red to dusky rose. The Royal Horticultural Society describes it as flowering in early and mid-summer; a grower lists scarlet spikes opening from the base of each raceme in June and July. Height estimates differ: RHS lists a maximum range of 0.5–1 m, while Wallish Greenhouses gives 0.9–1.2 m. Spread estimates also vary, from 0.1–0.5 m to 0.3–0.6 m. [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/94101/lupinus-my-castle-band-of-nobles-series/details) [Wallish Greenhouses](https://wallishgreenhouses.ca/plant-name/812) ## Garden Use The upright flower stems bring a strong vertical accent to a cottage border and can be cut for arrangements. Its red flowers distinguish this named selection from blue and other color forms of Russell lupines. The profile lists it as a perennial, but lupines may be short-lived where summers are hot or humid. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil that drains well. This lupine is suited to cool conditions; in warm areas, light afternoon shade and mulch around the roots can help reduce heat stress. Its foliage and flower spikes die back seasonally. ## Maintenance Deadhead faded spikes to encourage a second flush and reduce self-seeding. Lupines can be harmful if eaten, and this selection may be susceptible to slugs, aphids, powdery mildew, and crown or root rot; avoid waterlogged soil.