Lupinus

Lupin, Lupine

Message of the Flower

Stages to the Supreme

The Mother’s Comment

We will go through as many stages as necessary, but we will arrive.

Colour

Many colours and combinations

Family

Fabaceae

Cultivars

Numerous, including 'Russell Hybrids', 'Minarette', 'Gallery Series'

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Varies by species, generally 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length

Flower Texture

Soft, sometimes velvety

Number of Petals

5, with a characteristic pea-flower shape

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral

Fragrance of Flower

Some species and hybrids have a light, sweet fragrance.

Leaf Texture

Generally smooth, sometimes with fine hairs

Leaf Arrangement

Palmate (hand-shaped), with several leaflets radiating from a central point

Leaf Color

Green, sometimes with silvery hues

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Mostly herbaceous perennials, some annuals, and a few shrubs

Life Cycle

Annuals, perennials, and, rarely, shrubs

Blooming Period

Late spring to summer

Climate

Temperate to subarctic climates, depending on species

Water Requirements

Moderate; more drought-tolerant once established

Soil Type

Well-drained; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils

Temperature Ranges

Varies widely depending on species

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Aphids, slugs, powdery mildew, and crown rot can be problematic.

Pollinators

Bees, especially bumblebees, are attracted to lupines.

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats, from coastal to montane regions

Role in the Ecosystem

Nitrogen-fixing plants that can improve soil fertility

Ornamental

Widely cultivated for their attractive flowers and foliage.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Soil improvement through nitrogen fixation.

Endangered Status

Some species are considered rare or endangered in their natural habitats.