Lupinus polyphyllus
Bigleaf lupine is a cool-summer, herbaceous perennial legume for borders and meadows. It stands out for tall vertical flower spikes in late spring to early summer. It performs best in the northern United States, coastal West, and other regions with cool summers. It prefers slightly acidic, evenly moist, well-drained soil and full sun with light afternoon shade in hot areas. Plants are typically short-lived and often persist two to five years under good conditions.
Outside its native range it can self-sow and form dense stands that displace native vegetation.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m) × 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m)
- Bloom window: May to July
- Color & flower form: Blue to violet, sometimes white or pink; dense, vertical racemes of pea-like flowers
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 4-8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, unknown, USA (native to western North America)
- Cut-flower notes: Hollow stems; trials report about 4 to 9 days of vase life with proper conditioning
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Taller and more robust than many native annual lupines
- Longer, denser flower spikes than most wild species
- Less tolerant of heat and humidity than many annual lupines
- Readily self-sows where conditions suit it
Strengths
- Showy vertical bloom for late spring
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
- Often avoided by deer and rabbits
- Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil fertility nearby
Care in one minute
- Site: Full sun; give light afternoon shade where summers are hot
- Soil and pH: Slightly acidic, well-drained, evenly moist
- Watering: Keep evenly moist in spring; never waterlog the crown
- Feeding: Low to moderate; avoid high nitrogen
- Planting: Direct sow or transplant carefully; use legume inoculant on seed
- Grooming: Deadhead spent spikes; stake in windy sites; mulch lightly for winter
Watch‑outs
- Powdery mildew and aphids can build up in humid or crowded sites
- Crown and root rot in poorly drained soils
- Short-lived; resents root disturbance when mature
- Can be invasive outside its native range
Best uses (tags)
borders, cutting, meadows, pollinators, cottage style
Provenance note
Native to the Pacific Northwest and widely used as a parent of modern garden lupines such as the Russell Hybrids.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Lupinus × hybrida (zones, culture, issues)
- USDA NRCS Plant Materials: Large-leaved lupine Plant Guide
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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