Although lupins are close relatives of 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.
What is a lupine perennial?
Lupins are hardy perennials that can grow in the garden or in pots on the terrace. They improve soil quality, bloom for several years and can be propagated by root division. The seeds of the ornamental lupine are poisonous and should be kept away from children and animals.
Winter-hardy perennials for gardens and containers
Ornamental lupins are hardy garden perennials that came to us from the Mediterranean. They look particularly elegant thanks to their long panicles up to 120 centimeters high and covered with numerous flowers.
The perennials can also be kept in pots. However, lower varieties should be chosen.
The seeds of the ornamental lupine are poisonous. If there are small children or animals in the household, you should therefore avoid growing lupins.
The best planting time for ornamental perennials
Like all perennials, lupins are planted in the garden in autumn. As early plants, they can be planted throughout the entire gardening season. However, in the middle of summer they grow worse.
You can plant lupine plants in pots at any time except in winter, as you can more easily ensure the water supply in the pot.
Ensure a good location:
- Bright, if possible sunny
- Protected from the wind
- Airy
- Not too humid
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. That's why older lupins don't need to be watered separately.
On the roots there are small nodules in which bacteria live. They produce nitrogen, which they supply to the plant and which it then releases into the soil. This improves the soil quality around the lupine.
Propagation by dividing the lupine tree
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 its length. Then divide them carefully with the spade.
Tips & Tricks
You should not confuse ornamental lupins 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 may not be processed for food purposes.
