Gallery Blue
Compact lupin with neat flower spikes, useful for smaller gardens and containers.
When to plant Lupins in Liverpool
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
Calibrated to Liverpool · average last frost around 16 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Plant Out
2 Mar to 16 AprPlant into prepared soil around 2nd March - 16th 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.
02
Water Through Establishment
2 Mar to 15 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 2nd 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.
03
Deadhead Spent Spikes
31 May to 12 NovRemove faded flower spikes from 31st May 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.
04
Cut Back Old Stems
15 Jul to 14 AugAfter the main flowering flush, cut the flowered stems down to the basal growth from 15th July. Leave the new leafy shoots at the base, because that keeps the plant strong for next year.
05
Tidy For Winter
29 Oct to 12 DecFrom 29th 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
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.
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Lupin guides by town
See how Lupin timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.