Lupins in Fron

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 Fron · last frost ≈ 16 May

Plant out April to May. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Lupin

  1. 01

    Plant Out

    1 Apr to 16 May

    Plant into prepared soil around 1st April - 16th May, 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

    23 Apr to 22 Jul

    From 23rd April, 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

    30 Jun to 6 Oct

    Remove faded flower spikes from 30th 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

    14 Aug to 13 Sept

    After the main flowering flush, cut spent stems down to a tidy framework from 14th August. Leave healthy new basal growth in place, because that keeps the plant strong for next year.

  5. 05

    Tidy For Winter

    22 Sept to 5 Nov

    From 22nd September, 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.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Lupin.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

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.