Also known as Lupine · 2.5k gardener saves
Lupinus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Lupinus, the genus most gardeners know as lupine. We track 40 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Lupinus varieties
Of 40 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedWild Lupine
Lupinus perennis
#2 most savedRed Popsicle Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Red Popsicle'
#3 most savedMixed Dwarf Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Mixed Dwarf'
Garden Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Towering Inferno'
Magic Lantern lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Magic Lantern'
Gallery Blue Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Gallery Blue'
Blue Bicolor Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Blue Bicolor'
Beefeater Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Beefeater'
Pink Bicolor Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Pink Bicolor'
The Chatelaine Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'The Chatelaine'
Woodfield Hybrids Lupine
Lupinus x hybrida 'Woodfield Hybrids'
Rachel de Thame lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Rachel de Thame'
Browse all 40 Lupinus varieties →
How to grow Lupinus
What the Lupinus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Lupinus year
- DeadheadMay and June98% of varieties
Remove spent spikes immediately to encourage secondary blooms
- Check for PestsApril–June60% of varieties
Watch for aphids on new growth and slugs/snails
- PlantMarch, September and October57% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or sow seeds in early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary53% of varieties
Clear away old foliage and debris before new growth starts
- FertilizeMarch50% of varieties
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring
- StakeApril and May30% of varieties
Install stakes before flower spikes emerge to support tall stems
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during flowering
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
What goes wrong with Lupinus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use organic fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Slugs | Irregular holes on leaves | Apply organic slug bait or set up beer traps |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite moist soil | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
Making more Lupinus
Cuttings
- Select healthy stems in late summer
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix
- Keep humidity high for 4-6 weeks
Seed
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep in moist soil
- Maintain consistent moisture for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 14-21 days
Lupinus questions
How many types of Lupinus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 40 distinct Lupinus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.5k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Lupinus grow in?
Across its varieties, Lupinus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lupinus bloom?
Most Lupinus varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lupinus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Lupinus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
