Lupine - Lupinus species - How to grow Lupines #lupine

The Lupine in one of our Iris beds is in full bloom, and it is indeed magical. While not fragrant like many of the Irises, it is a structural entity in the garden, even when not in bloom. The lupine is also a member of the Pea family, Fabaceae, which makes it useful as a cover crop, as forage and also as a companion plant to be intercropped with cucumbers, squash, broccoli, spinach and others. The flowering or horticultural Lupine is a perennial plant, although among the almost three hundred species there are a few outlying woody trees and shrubs. Many treat Lupine as a biennial because they seem to die out after flowering the second year. Some varieties are more reliably perennial than others, so look for that when purchasing. Lupines do best in full sun, in well-drained average fertility soil. One can start seed (my preferred method) or you can find them at the better nurseries in pots for sale usually in spring. Again depending on the species and variety, the flower color can range from yello