Russell Lupin Growing Guide

What is Russell Lupin?

Russell Lupins (Lupinus Russell Hybrids) is a herbaceous perennial. It is part of the Fabaceae family and is native to USA and Mexico. Soft palmate foliage appears in early Spring which is grey green in colour held by soft stems. The foliage forms a clumping mound. Late Spring through Summer stunning upright spikes appear carrying cylindrical pea-style flowers, up to 100 individual buds on each stem. The flowers range in a variety of colours including white, orange, blue, pink, yellow, cream, burgundy, purple and bicolour flowers. The buds open upwards. Russell Lupins require a full sun to part shade position in the garden that has well drained humus rich soil. Plan where you are going to plant them as it grows a long tap root and does not like to be moved from its original position.

Benefits of Growing Russell Lupin

Russell Lupins are hardy plants that are very easy to grow. They thrive in a cooler climate but are fairly adaptable to all areas. A must have for any cottage garden, Russel Lupins make an excellent backdrop to a border and are always best planted en masse. They make great cut flowers.

How to Grow Russell Lupin

Russel Lupin Mixed

Climatic Zones

Cool to temperate.

Plant Size

Height: 90cm, Width: 90cm

When To Plant Russell Lupin

Plant in Spring.

Soil Preparation

They like well drained humus rich. Dig through broken down compost or manure before planting.

How To Plant Russell Lupin

Plant in full sun to part shade, 50-100cm apart with the plant crown at soil level.  

Russell Lupin Plant Care

Normal watering required throughout the dryer periods. Do not over water as this can cause rotting.

Protect crowns from frost by applying a layer of mulch each season.

Care must be taken with the application of fertiliser to these plants. Too much nitrogen fertiliser will favour an abundance of foliage at the expense of the flowers. They do like an application of lime to the soil.

Lightly cut back after flowering can sometimes promote a second flush of flowers. The spent spikes also need to be pruned to ensure strong plant growth. Prune to ground level in Winter when the plant has gone dormant.

Watch out for snails and slugs.

Recommended Russell Lupin Varieties

Large showy flowers with soft finger like foliage, Russell Lupin is a must for any cottage style garden.

Russell Lupin Pink

Russell Lupin Moonshine

Russell Lupin Red