With their long flower spikes in many beautiful colors, lupins are a real eye-catcher in every garden. But they can also be cared for in a pot on the terrace for several years. You can't go wrong when planting.
How and when is the best way to plant lupins?
Lupins should be planted in early autumn, in a sunny to partially shaded, wind-protected location with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The planting distance should be about half a meter and they bloom from May to August.
When is the best time to plant?
Like all flowering perennials, lupins should be planted in early fall. They will then bloom reliably next year. You can still plant early plants in spring.
What should the location and soil be like?
- Sunny to partially shaded
- Sheltered from the wind
- Warm location
- Permeable soil
- Not too nutritious soil
- Slightly acidic soil substrate
The more sun it gets, the better the lupine feels. However, the location must be protected from the wind so that the long panicles do not break so quickly.
The perennial does not get soil that is too wet. If necessary, mix in some sand.
What planting distance is recommended?
Lupins should not be too crowded to prevent powdery mildew. Maintain a distance of approximately half a meter between the plants.
How to plant lupins correctly?
Dig a planting hole that is at least as deep as the root that the plant formed. Insert it carefully so that the root does not break.
Tread the soil carefully and water the lupine more frequently in the first few days. Avoid waterlogging. The lupine no longer needs to be watered later.
When is the lupine flowering time?
The main flowering period of the lupine lasts from the end of May to August. You can achieve a second flowering period if you always cut off all spent inflorescences immediately.
Can lupins also be grown in pots?
Lupins develop very long roots. That's why you should choose smaller varieties if you want to grow lupins in pots. However, the pots or containers should still be as deep as possible so that the plant can develop its characteristic long inflorescences. When caring for it in a pot, the lupine needs winter protection.
How are lupins propagated?
Propagation occurs via seeds, root division and cuttings. When collecting and sowing seeds, you must remember that, unlike yellow lupine seeds, they are poisonous and do not belong in the hands of children.
The roots of the lupine grow very long. That's why you have to be very careful when dividing the roots so that they don't break.
Which neighbors do lupins get along well with?
Lupins improve the nitrogen supply in the soil through their nodules on the roots. That's why they actually get along well with all flowers. They add special effects next to:
- Sunflowers
- Roses
- larkspur
- Cosmea
- Colorful summer flowers
Tips & Tricks
Lupins look particularly beautiful as background plants in perennial beds. The flowers shine in many pastel shades and can reach a height of 120 centimeters in the garden. Smaller flowering perennials look particularly good in front of them.
