Carmine Lupine

‘The Pages’ is a named Russell lupine with upright spikes of carmine-red flowers that open successively from the base. The Polish Nurserymen Association’s cultivar catalog describes fragrant June–July blooms, an approximate 90 cm flowering height, and a 60–75 cm spread; Chiltern Seeds also lists the named cultivar at about 5 feet, illustrating how garden size varies by conditions. Its vivid vertical flower spikes suit sunny perennial borders and make useful cut flowers. ## Growing Conditions Choose a sunny, sheltered position to protect the flower spikes from strong wind. Plant in well-drained garden soil; the cultivar catalog lists it across a range of soil moisture conditions, while Chiltern Seeds notes loam or sand and neutral to acidic soil. ## Maintenance Cut back the flowering stems after bloom; the cultivar catalog notes that this may encourage a second display. Divide clumps every three to five years to maintain vigor, and cut spikes for indoor arrangements.