Lupinus 'GALLERY RED' lupines
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,4-0,5m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-July
location
full to partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Lupines are the inevitable item of English gardens as well as Czech woodlands. They come from North America and naturally grow in sunny locations of moist woodland edges and rocky slopes where their roots establish well in crevices that never lack moisture but are well draining. Deciduous, palmate leaves are deep green and very attractive as they are finely divided.
Description of the plant:
Gallery is a new series of dwarf lupines with shorter flower stems and denser habit. Gallery Red is a variety with deep pink flowers that turn rich raspberry red about a week after opening when mature. They are borne in upright racemes on sturdy stems, 40-50 cm tall, and start blooming in mid June, and may continue for 4-6 weeks if spent flowers are removed as soon as they begin to fade. If the plant is weak and unsightly after flowering cut it back and it will produce a nice mound of new foliage that will be attractive until the end of the growing season. Lupines like free draining soil that retains moisture and is preferably acidic. They can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and distribute it through their roots. This is why they are often used as pioneer plants in poor soils. Beware of slugs which can devastate both your seedlings as well as old clumps. The flowering spikes are sturdy but fleshy and should be planted where they can be protected from the extreme wind blasts that could bend or break them. Unlike sweet-lupines whose seeds are edible, ornamental lupines (bitter-lupines) can be harmful if eaten. These plants are short-lived and should be dug out in the spring every 3-5 years, woody parts removed, and new plants put pack to encourage fresh growth. Hardy to about -34°C.
Last update 17-06-2013
