Everybody loves lupines. And most lupine species are American wildflowers. From coast to coast they are loved...the famous Pacific coast lupines, the Texas Bluebonnet, and the widespread Wild Blue Lupine of the eastern US.But when it comes to hybrids, there is really only one group--the world-famous Russell Lupines. They were created by crossing several lupine species, most notably blue L. polyphyllus, a native of the Pacific Northwest. By careful hybridization and years of work, a man named George Russell in England perfected the multicolored strains in 1937, and they've been the standards ever since.
The Gallery Hybrids are considered a dwarf form, since many lupines are very tall plants. Gallery Hybrids grow to only about 18" in an endless array of colors and bicolors.
Growing Lupines These prized plants are not hard to grow, and in fact, many of the wild species are permanent features in wildflower meadows. (See our Individual Species List for seeds of several native species including Texas Bluebonnet.)
One of my favorite perennial author/experts, Alan Armitage, says, "Flowers more perfect than those of the lupine hybrids are difficult to imagine."
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Botanical Name: Lupinus polyphyllus
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Color: Solids and bi-colors in reds, pinks, blues, yellows, and whites
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Spread/Width: 15-18" wide
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Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
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Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil Preferences: Thrives in rich organic soil with good drainage.
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Advantages: Attracts hummingbirds
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Indigenous To: No. American Native Plant or near hybrid
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