Lupinus 'MASTERPIECE' lupines
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,4-0,8m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-September
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 edge, and rocky slopes where their roots establish well in crevices that never lack moisture but are well draining.
Description of the plant:
Masterpiece is a great name for a great lupine variety. It produces strong, 70-80 cm tall stems with thick spikes of dark violet-blue marked red in the throat. They bloom from late June till July and if cut back right after flowering they repeat blooming in late summer. Deciduous, palmate leaves are deep green and very attractive as they are finely divided. 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.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 27-05-2012
WANT TO TRY A SIMILAR PLANT?
