When to plant Lupins in the UK

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
Plant out March to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Plant Out

    mid-March to early May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant into prepared soil around mid-March to early 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

    mid-March to early August UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From mid-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

    mid-June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Remove faded flower spikes from mid-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

    early August to late August UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

  5. 05

    Tidy For Winter

    early October to late November UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    From early 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.

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.