Lush lupins a pure riot of colour
Updated: 5 days ago
Exceptionally Hardy perennials. Beautiful umbrella fingered leaves. When we started our gardens we knew it would be a marathon and not a sprint. Lupins were one of the first things to come to mind for planting. They are legumes, like peas beans or clover and so have amazing nitrogen locking abilities and are fantastic for developing a good nutrient base in the soil. As we had started with a blank canvas we needed to invest in the soil structure and quality.
We also had vast amounts of ground to cover and an army of bees to feed! Lupine are exceptionally easy to propagate in seed trays for early flowers or simply by planting directly into the soil during the spring and summer months. After the foxgloves had passed we were treated to huge bunches of tall bright trumpets of flowers. They are incredibly structural and so are attractive even when they have gone to seed adding to the architecture of the bed. It was lots of fun to gather these seeds get them ready to share with you.
Questions people often ask about growing lupins
Do lupins grow well in Scotland?
Yes. Lupins are hardy perennials that generally suit Scotland’s cool, temperate climate. They flower best in sun or light shade in free-draining soil, and they dislike sitting in wet ground.
When should I sow lupin seeds?
Lupins can be started under cover in early spring or sown outside once the soil begins to warm. Keep the compost moist rather than waterlogged while the seeds germinate.
Are lupins good for bees?
Lupin flower spikes attract bumblebees and other pollinators. Planting several together creates a more useful patch of forage while also giving the border a strong burst of early-summer colour.
Do lupins improve the soil?
Lupins are legumes and form a relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria around their roots. Most of that nitrogen supports the living plant, but the roots and plant material can contribute organic matter when they break down.
More from the Paisley Honey garden
Continue with our guide to bee-friendly gardening, learn more about legumes and soil health, or browse our raw Scottish honey from the West of Scotland.
Comments