Lupinus polyphyllus

Common Names

Bigleaf Lupine, Blue-Pod Lupine, Garden Lupine, Large Leaf Lupine, Large-Leaved Lupine, Marsh Lupine, Meadow Lupine, Washington Lupine, Altramuz Perenne, Russell Lupin

Summary

Lupinus polyphyllus, commonly known as Bigleaf Lupine or garden lupine, is a tall, herbaceous perennial native to western North America. It forms erect stems with palmately compound leaves (9–17 leaflets) and dense spikes of pea-like blossoms that range in color from blue to purple, with pink or white in some cultivars, blooming in late spring to early summer. The plant attracts pollinators such as bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and fixes atmospheric nitrogen, contributing to soil fertility and offering strong ornamental and habitat value.

Cultivation favors full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; plants typically reach 3–5 feet tall and should be spaced about 30–60 cm apart. Propagation is by seed (scarify or soak) or divisions, with fall or spring sowing, and the plant self-sows readily. Hardy to Zone 5, it is used ornamentally, in restoration, and for pollinator habitat; Russell hybrids expand color range, and some populations may escape and become weedy outside native ranges, requiring management to limit spread and preserve species purity.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0.5-5 feet

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy or sandy soil, pH 6.0–8.0

Soil Drainage

Moist, seasonally wet soils (damp soils) are ideal for Lupinus polyphyllus.

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, Slightly acidic to neutral soil (about pH 6.5)

Bloom Color

Blue to purple

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Rich green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid spring growth, short generation time

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators