Bold, densely packed flower spikes in a brilliant range of colours and bicolours rise over palm-shaped leaves in late spring. A nitrogen-fixing cottage classic; seeds are toxic if eaten.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1 m H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Russell Lupin
Botanically, Lupinus 'Russell Hybrids' is a fast-growing perennial in the Fabaceae family. It reaches around 1 m tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Purple, pink, yellow, red and white flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Russell Lupin
Russell Lupin suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Russell Lupin does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Russell Lupin is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Russell Lupin after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Russell Lupin in the garden
Russell Lupin earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, cut flowers for the vase and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Russell Lupin with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Russell Lupin
Plant Sale lists Russell Lupin as potted plants and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Russell Lupin seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.