Lupinus WEST COUNTRY™ MAGIC LANTERN lupine
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,7-0,8m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty) to neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
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 free draining.
Sarah Conibear from the Westcountry Nurseries is the breeder of many successful lupine varieties that have achieved a lot of medals including a gold medal from the Chelsea Flower Show Centenary Year. The nursery is located in the north-west of Devon, UK, and is proud to introduce so many gorgeous lupines.
Sarah Conibear from the Westcountry Nurseries is the breeder of many successful lupine varieties that have achieved a lot of medals including a gold medal from the Chelsea Flower Show Centenary Year. The nursery is located in the north-west of Devon, UK, and is proud to introduce so many gorgeous lupines.
Description of the plant:
Magic Lantern is a unique lupine variety from the West Country™ series which was a tribute for John Walker, a dear friend of the breeder who taught her a lot about lupins. It makes dense inflorescence combining deep violet blue bells and magenta purple and yellow standards. As every lupine, it bears their typical fragrance. Polar Princess is medium late variety blooming from early to late June and then sporadically throughout summer if you follow a regular monthly feeding programme. 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. Deciduous, palmate leaves are deep green and very attractive as they are finely divided. 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 01-04-2022
