Lupins are not only a great sight in the ornamental garden. They also provide colorful accents in pots or buckets on the terrace. If you pay attention to a few things, you will enjoy the brightly colored flower spikes for several years.
How do you care for lupins in a pot?
To cultivate lupins in pots, choose smaller varieties, a deep container with a drainage hole, a sunny location without drafts, and pay attention to regular watering without waterlogging, occasional fertilization and, if necessary, support for the flower spikes.
Select small varieties
For planting in containers, you should choose varieties that do not grow quite as tall as the lupins in the garden. There are varieties whose flowers do not grow higher than 80 centimeters.
Plant multiple colors. This will really make the lupins shine.
It has to be the right bucket
There must be enough space for the long roots of the lupine. The pot should therefore be as deep as possible. The cultivation will not work in the balcony box.
If the pot does not have a drain hole (€5.00 on Amazon), poke several holes in the bottom of the pot. Then the excess irrigation water can drain away. The lupine cannot tolerate waterlogging.
Place the pot in a convenient location
The pot with the lupine should be as sunny as possible. However, the place must not be drafty, otherwise the long panicles will quickly break off or bend to the ground.
Do not place the pots too close to each other. The air must be able to circulate so that the moisture can escape. Otherwise you will create an ideal climate for mildew.
Since the robust plants are hardy, you don't have to overwinter lupins indoors. However, you should definitely provide winter protection, as the earth freezes more quickly at very low temperatures and the roots can no longer suck up water.
Lupins in pots need a little more care
In contrast to keeping them in the garden, caring for lupines in pots is a little more complex. Important care measures are:
- Water regularly
- Prevent waterlogging
- Occasionally add some mature compost
- Provide flower panicles with support if necessary
Unlike lupins grown outdoors, the roots of lupins in pots cannot spread. You therefore have to water more often and fertilize occasionally.
Tips & Tricks
Extend the flowering period of your lupins on the terrace by always cutting off spent panicles immediately. This will encourage the formation of more flowers.
