When to plant Lupins in Bristol

Lupinus spp.

Lupin
Lupin · Lupinus spp.

Hardy perennial with tall flower spikes that suits borders in most parts of the UK. Give it full sun and well-drained soil, and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.

90 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Plant out March to April. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Plant Out

    5 Mar to 19 Apr

    Plant into prepared soil around 5th March - 19th April, setting the crown at the same level it was growing before. Water in thoroughly straight away, then keep the soil just moist while the roots settle.

  2. 02

    Water Through Establishment

    5 Mar to 18 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 5th March, water newly planted lupins during dry spells in their first season. Aim for a deep soak rather than frequent light watering, and avoid leaving the soil sodden.

  3. 03

    Deadhead Spent Spikes

    3 Jun to 2 Nov

    Remove faded flower spikes from 3rd June to keep the display going and stop the plant putting energy into seed. If you leave some spikes to ripen, collect seed from the most reliable plants only.

  4. 04

    Cut Back Old Stems

    18 Jul to 17 Aug

    After the main flowering flush, cut the flowered stems down to the basal growth from 18th July. Leave the new leafy shoots at the base, because that keeps the plant strong for next year.

  5. 05

    Tidy For Winter

    19 Oct to 2 Dec

    From 19th October, remove any dead foliage and clear away fallen debris around the crown. Leave the crown intact and do not cut hard into the base, as established plants need that growing point protected.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Lupin to consider

Gallery Blue

Compact lupin with neat flower spikes, useful for smaller gardens and containers.

The Chatelaine

Classic pink and white flower spikes on a tall, sturdy plant.

Russell Hybrid Mix

Traditional mixed colours with good border presence and reliable flowering.

Noble Maiden

Pure white flower spikes that work well in mixed perennial borders.

Lupin guides by town

See how Lupin timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.