Lupins in Oxford
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Lupin
Planting Calendar
Plant Out
26 Feb – 12 AprPlant into prepared soil around 26th February - 12th 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.
Water Through Establishment
20 Mar – 18 JunFrom 20th 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.
Deadhead Spent Spikes
27 May – 6 OctRemove faded flower spikes from 27th 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.
Cut Back Old Stems
11 Jul – 10 AugAfter the main flowering flush, cut spent stems down to a tidy framework from 11th July. Leave healthy new basal growth in place, because that keeps the plant strong for next year.
Tidy For Winter
22 Sept – 5 NovFrom 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.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Lupin timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.