Wild Perennial Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

Also known as: Sundial Lupine, Indian Beet, Perennial Lupine

Wild Perennial Lupine produces flower clusters that can reach up to eight inches in length. The flowers are generally blue but can vary in shade from the bottom to the top of the cluster. Each flower has a pea-like shape, consisting of a banner petal, wing petals, and a keel petal. The plant's stems start off hairy but tend to become smoother as they mature.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Wild Perennial Lupine

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 61 cm

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Blue Purple

Images of Wild Perennial Lupine

Quickly Identify Wild Perennial Lupine

Slender palmately compound leaves with 7-11 leaflets radiating from a central point.

Vibrant blue pea-shaped flowers on spikes measuring 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) long.

Pea-like pods with a furry surface, approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in length.

Angular or round green stems with fine hairs, 0.1 to 0.3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 mm) in diameter.

Nitrogen-fixing ability enriches soil, supporting growth in less fertile environments.

Scientific Classification of Wild Perennial Lupine

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Lupines

Species

Wild Perennial Lupine

Planting and Growing of Wild Perennial Lupine

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Wild Perennial Lupine?

Lupinus perennis prefers soil that retains some moisture but never becomes waterlogged. When watering, aim to thoroughly soak the soil until water escapes from the drainage holes. This ensures that all roots have access to the necessary moisture, promoting healthy growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Wild Perennial Lupine? ›

What should I do if my Wild Perennial Lupine is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Wild Perennial Lupine? ›

How to save an overwatered Wild Perennial Lupine? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Wild Perennial Lupine?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Lupinus perennis thrives in full to partial sunlight, where it can produce vibrant flowers and maintain healthy foliage. Ideal light conditions promote robust growth and optimal blooming.

How much sunlight does Lupinus perennis need? ›

What are solutions for ensuring ideal light conditions? ›

What benefits arise from ideal light conditions? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Wild Perennial Lupine?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Lupinus perennis thrives best in temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F. These conditions allow the plant to perform optimal photosynthesis and maintain robust growth. Ensuring consistent temperature within this range reduces stress and promotes healthy foliage.

What Soil is Best for Wild Perennial Lupine?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lupinus perennis benefits from well-drained soil to prevent root rot. The drainage allows excess water to escape, ensuring the roots receive adequate oxygen. This leads to healthier and stronger plants. This plant requires a nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Soils with a balanced composition of organic matter and minerals enhance robust growth and vibrant blooming, fulfilling the plant's high nutrient demands. The ability to retain some moisture while still draining well ensures that Lupinus perennis does not dry out quickly but also remains free from waterlogged conditions, which is essential for its optimal health.

How to Fertilize Wild Perennial Lupine?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lupinus perennis is sensitive to over-fertilization, so it’s crucial to use a balanced, low-strength fertilizer. Typically, mix the liquid fertilizer at half the recommended dose on the packaging. For solid fertilizers, a thin layer around the plant base, ensuring it doesn’t touch the stem, is advised.

How to Prune Wild Perennial Lupine?

Pruning Time: Spring

Begin by using clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged stems at the base. Focus on cutting back the main stems by about one third their original size, which will stimulate healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Be sure to make your cuts just above a leaf node to encourage fuller growth.

How to Propagate Wild Perennial Lupine plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early Spring, Late Spring

Start by preparing a seed tray with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Sow the lupine seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Cover lightly with soil and water gently. Maintain consistent moisture until germination occurs in about 14-28 days.

Select healthy branches from a mature lupine plant. Use a sharp knife or scissors to take 4-6 inch cuttings just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in a pot filled with moist potting mix.

Once the seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, they can be carefully transplanted into the garden. Ensure the soil is well-draining and choose a location with full sun.

How to Repot Wild Perennial Lupine plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Lupinus perennis should be repotted when you notice that its roots are peeking through the drainage holes or if the plant appears to be stunted in growth. Additionally, if the soil dries out too quickly or can't retain moisture, it's time to consider repotting to refresh the soil nutrients.

Select a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, ensuring there is no more than 2-3 inches of extra space around the root ball. This prevents excess soil that can lead to water retention and potential root rot issues. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

For repotting, choose a well-draining sandy soil mix that mimics the plant’s natural habitat. This ensures adequate drainage and prevents root rot, while providing the necessary aeration Lupine roots need to thrive and absorb nutrients efficiently.

Toxicity of Wild Perennial Lupine

Is Wild Perennial Lupine toxic to humans?

The wild Perennial Lupine is regarded as a toxic plant, exhibiting low toxicity risk when consumed. The seeds are the sole component of the plant that poses a threat to human health. These seeds contain various potentially dangerous alkaloids, including lupinine, anagyrine, sparteine, and hydroxylupanine; however, poisoning primarily occurs only from ingesting the seeds in exceptionally high quantities. Common symptoms associated with these toxic compounds include reduced heart rate, drowsiness, seizures, and respiratory complications, although cases of intoxication in humans are exceedingly uncommon and rarely documented.

Is Wild Perennial Lupine toxic to cat?

The Wild Perennial Lupine is known to possess mild toxicity for cats. Should a cat ingest this plant, especially in significant quantities, it might suffer from negative health effects, as every part of the Wild Perennial Lupine is toxic. Symptoms of distress can manifest and their severity may differ based on the amount consumed. Due to the poisoning risk, if there is any suspicion of a cat having ingested Wild Perennial Lupine, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care to safeguard their health and ensure timely treatment.

Is Wild Perennial Lupine toxic to dog?

Wild Perennial Lupine presents a mild toxicity risk to dogs. Although this plant is not highly poisonous, ingesting large amounts can result in toxic reactions. Dogs may be drawn to and nibble on various parts of the wild Perennial Lupine, which can cause negative health effects due to the toxic nature of the entire plant. Symptoms of poisoning from wild Perennial Lupine could include gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and irregular heart rhythms. It is essential for dog owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and prevent them from consuming wild Perennial Lupine. Should a dog ingest a considerable quantity of wild Perennial Lupine, it is crucial to seek urgent veterinary assistance to optimize the chances of recovery for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.