- Perennial shrub that requires little maintenance
- Hardy perennials in the garden and on the terrace
- Lupins as green manure
- tips and tricks
Lupins (botanical name Lupinus), also known as wolf beans or fig beans, belong to the butterfly bloomer family, just like peas and beans. Unlike these, the hardy and very robust perennials are kept in the garden as an ornamental plant for several years.
Perennial shrub that requires little maintenance
Hardly any ornamental perennial in the garden is as easy to care for as the ornamental lupine. The perennial plant is
- hardy
- Easy-care
- self catering
- Resistant to pests and diseases
Once lupins have established themselves in the garden, they will reliably appear again every spring. For several years, from May to August, they delight the gardener with beautiful panicles of flowers.
The plant requires little care. It grows roots so long that older lupins don't even need to be watered. There is also no need to fertilize the soil because the lupins themselves provide new nutrients.
Hardy perennials in the garden and on the terrace
Before winter, you can cut lupines back to the ground. However, this is not really necessary. However, by cutting off faded flowers, you can often bring about a second flowering period in early autumn.
Lupins are very robust. They easily tolerate temperatures of minus 25 degrees. Winter protection is not required outdoors.
Even if the lupine grows in a pot, it provides color on the terrace and balcony for several years. It just needs a little more care. It must also be supplied with water and should receive winter protection in winter.
Lupins as green manure
The situation is different with lupins, which are sown as green manure in the garden. They are only intended to quickly form a lot of leaf and root mass.
They are usually cut and dug in the same year, but no later than next spring.
With their long roots, they loosen and supply the soil with nitrogen. The undermined leaf mass also increases the nutrient content of the soil.
tips and tricks
Lupins self-seed. The ripe pods burst open, scattering the seeds within a seven meter radius. To prevent the whole garden from being littered with lupins, you need to cut inflorescences as soon as they wither.