Lady lupine boasts velvety, palmate leaves and spikes of pealike flowers, ranging in hue from purples and blues to whites. Thriving in well-drained soils, this perennial’s showy blossoms not only catch the eye but also enrich the earth by fixing nitrogen, making lady lupine a benefactor to its surrounding flora.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Lupinus villosus, commonly known as lady lupine, pink sandhill lupine, or hairy lupine, is a flowering plant species in the genus Lupinus.
It grows in parts of Florida and the Southeastern United States in well drained sandy habitats.
Lupinus villosus is a member of the pea/bean family and a native perennial wildflower in northern and central Florida. Lady Lupine has upright to reclining and often branched hairy stems, with 3 to 6 inch long alternate hairy leaves. The fruit is a curved, bean-like pod of 1 1/2 – 2 inches in length, densely covered with long shaggy, silvery hairs.
All parts of the plant are covered with noticeable silvery hairs and when in bloom, with its multitude of pink flower spikes held high above the downy foliage, Lady Lupine provides a beautiful and colorful display. Each plant may reach several feet in diameter and is found in dry, sandy habitats such as disturbed sites, pastures, dry woods and pinelands.
II. How to Grow and Care
Lady lupine boasts velvety, palmate leaves and spikes of pealike flowers, ranging in hue from purples and blues to whites. Thriving in well-drained soils, this perennial’s showy blossoms not only catch the eye but also enrich the earth by fixing nitrogen, making lady lupine a benefactor to its surrounding flora.
Sunlight
Full sunlight is the preferred aspect for the full flowering of lady lupine, therefore, it should be ideally positioned somewhere with full sun exposure and absent of tree shade. Lady lupine growing in the partial shade will have fewer blooms. Planting in full shade will preclude any flowering at all. However, too much sun will also affect its flowering, so optimal sunlight is 8-10 hours per day.
Temperature
Plants in the genus Lupinus originated in the Mediterranean. They are resistant to cold and drought. Overwintering temperatures for perennial species are as low as -20 ℃, and annual species will also tolerate some frost. Once germinated, they thrive in temperatures of 20 to 30 ℃. They are sensitive to waterlogging, the long taproots of them will not develop to their full potential in standing water.
Watering
Though lady lupine requires good drainage, it also enjoys regular watering. Lack of watering will lead it to seed more quickly, reducing the duration of flowering. Therefore, make sure that the plant receives 2.5 cm of water each week during the growing season. Equally, supply adequate water at the seed stage as insufficient water can lead to premature seedling formation and cause seedlings to grow poorly.
However, too much water will also reduce root formation and cause root rot. Waterlogging can reduce the amount of nitrogen the plant can fix in the soil. Therefore, it is important to keep a balance of water in the soil for optimal growth.
Soil
Lady lupine prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil and grows in many soil types. It also tolerates the soil poor in nutrients but not grow well in chalky, alkaline soil. Well-drained soil is needed as over-moist or water-logged will lead to crown rot. The root system of lady lupine expands from a large central taproot. Planting in sandy or loose, rocky soil will help the taproot to grow and the plant to thrive. Soil depth should be kept reasonably high to help the long taproot to develop.
Fertilizing
Lady lupine is a nitrogen-fixing plant and can deal with the deficiency of nitrogen. The shortage of iron can lead to chlorosis. A micronutrient mix compost can be used to replenish iron, copper, and other trace elements, but not overuse as high concentrations can lead to toxicity. Phosphorous deficiency is the limiting factor in the growth of lady lupine. If poor growth is exhibited, applying a fertilizer containing phosphorus may help.
Planting Instructions
Lady lupine can be planted from seeds or cuttings. Planting from seeds will result in a variety of colors while planting from cuttings will ensure the specific color. Sow indoors in spring, and seeds may germinate in 15-30 days. Seedlings should be transplanted in an open area away from trees to ensure sufficient sunlight. Be careful when transplant as seedlings have long taproots. They may bloom in the first year and will certainly bloom in the second year.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary, but flowers should be deadheaded once they fade. Cut the spike of the flower with a sharp knife or garden scissors. The cut should be in front of the new small buds.
Propagation
Lady lupine is popular for home propagation. Basal cuttings can be taken in spring and rooted easily in a half-and-half mix of sand and compost. Springtime is also a good time for dividing, but it can be difficult due to the long taproot, so be careful to remain intact when dividing.
III. Harvesting and Storage
You can harvest its flowers for decoration. Use sharp garden scissors to cut off the base of the pedicel, which needs to be tilted 45 degrees to increase the water absorption. Put the flowering branches in clean water promptly to prevent them from losing water.
