Although lupins are closely related to the legumes peas and beans, these plants are perennials. They are hardy, can be divided for propagation and bloom reliably for several years in the garden or in pots on the terrace.

Hardy perennials for gardens and containers

Ornamental lupins are hardy garden perennials that have come to us from the Mediterranean region. They look particularly elegant thanks to their long panicles, which are up to 120 centimeters high and covered with numerous flowers.

The perennials can also be kept in pots. However, lower varieties should be chosen for this.

The seeds of the ornamental lupine are poisonous. If there are small children or animals in the household, it is therefore better not to grow lupins.

The best planting time for ornamental perennials

Like all perennials, lupins are planted in the garden in the fall. As a preferred plant, they can be planted throughout the gardening season. However, in the middle of summer they grow worse.

You can plant lupine perennials in the pot at any time except in winter, as you can more easily ensure the water supply in the bucket.

Ensure a good location:

  • Bright, preferably sunny
  • sheltered from the wind
  • Airy
  • Not too wet

Lupins improve the soil

Lupins are real soil improvers. This also applies to the ornamental perennials. They develop very long roots that dig deep into the soil. Therefore, older lupins do not have to be watered separately.

On the roots are small nodules in which bacteria live. They produce nitrogen, which they supply to the plant, which in turn releases it into the soil. This improves the soil quality around the lupine.

Propagation by division of the lupine shrub

As a perennial, you can propagate lupins not only by sowing, but also by root division. To do this, you have to get the root out of the ground as undamaged as possible, which is not easy because of the length. Then carefully divide them with the spade.

tips and tricks

Ornamental lupins should not be confused with sweet lupins. Sweet lupins are edible and are increasingly being grown as a substitute for soy. Ornamental lupins, on the other hand, are poisonous plants and must not be processed for food purposes.

Category:

Herbs