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 bi-colors.
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.)
The Russell Hybrids are a bit more fussy. They are best where soils are rich and conditions are cool. In zones 4 and 5 they are fine, but considered a short-lived perennial, even in New England. From Zone 6 south, they grow beautifully, but are hard to preserve and should be planted as annuals.
One of my favorite perennial author/experts, Alan Armitage, says, Flowers more perfect than those of the lupine hybrids are difficult to imagine.
More InformationSKU | AM014602 |
Item Package Size | Plant - 3" Pot |
Common Name | Gallery Yellow Lupine |
Botanical Name | Lupinus x intermedia Gallery Yellow |
Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
Light Requirements | Full Sun |
Flower Color | Yellow |
Flower Size | 4-12" flowers |
Mature Height | 18-24" tall |
Mature Spread | 18-24" wide |
Growth Rate | Medium |
Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
Planting Depth | Crown of plant should rest just at or above the soil surface after watering in. |
Ships As | Potted Plant |
Foliage | Green clumps of palmate leaves. |
Soil Type | Loamy Soil, Sandy Soil, Acidic Soil, Well-Drained Soil |
Soil Moisture | Average |
Advantages | Bee Friendly, Attract Butterflies, Attract Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Great For Mass Plantings, Good For Cut Flowers, Rabbit Resistant |
Ideal Region | Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest |
Planting Time | Spring / Summer |
Poisonous or Toxic to Animals | All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Toxic to all cattle grazing animals. |
Ships to Hawaii, Alaska & Canada | No |