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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Russell Lupin does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
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
Combine Russell Lupin with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Russell Lupin seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
