Lupins are one of those garden plants that produce beautiful flowers without much care. Planted in the right location, they unfold a splendor of flowers that makes every perennial border a highlight. What you should consider when it comes to care.

How are lupins watered correctly?

Lupins form very long roots. They can grow longer than the tall inflorescences. The perennials only have to be watered when they are very young and do not yet have long roots. Older lupins no longer need to be watered. They are self-sufficient through the roots.

Can lupins be transplanted?

Like all perennials, you can safely transplant lupins. Be careful not to snap or damage the long roots. You can also divide very large specimens to grow new lupine plants. The best time for transplanting is autumn.

How are lupins cut correctly?

Basically, lupins do not need to be cut at all. They still grow every year. However, it is advisable to cut faded flowers immediately. Then the perennial often blooms a second time.

Removing the faded panicles also makes sense so that the plants do not self-seed in an uncontrolled manner. In autumn you can cut the plant down to the ground.

Do lupins need fertilizer?

Lupins also do well in very poor soil. They don't need fertilizer. On the contrary: lupins are often used as green manure. They form small nodules on the roots, which enrich the plant and the soil with nitrogen, making it more fertile.

If fertilizer is to be given at all, it should only be mature compost.

Are lupins hardy?

Lupins in the garden are hardy. They also tolerate very low minus temperatures. Winter protection is not necessary.

It is different with lupins in pots. The earth freezes faster here, so you should protect the bucket from frost with foil or other materials.

Which pests and diseases can occur in lupins?

  • snails
  • mildew
  • Fusarium wilt

Snails only really bother young lupins. They eat the young leaves and can damage the young plants considerably. Collect the animals from young lupins. Older, healthy plants can easily withstand a snail attack.

Powdery mildew occurs when the plants are too damp and too dense. Allow air to circulate between the leaves.

If the leaves wilt and the flowers fall off prematurely, the viral disease Fusarium wilt may be to blame. Uproot and destroy the plants to prevent the disease from spreading further.

tips and tricks

Lupins are also very pretty in colorful summer bouquets. Due to the length of the flower spikes, they are well suited for floor vases. For cut flowers, pick lupins as soon as the lower flowers have opened.

Category:

Herbs