Lupin Lupinus 'Chandelier' (Band of Nobles Series)
ABOUT
The Lupinus 'Chandelier' (Band of Nobles Series) is a striking flowering plant, commonly known as Lupin, which is admired for its ornate and colorful blooms. This variety boasts a particularly vibrant display of yellow flowers that form densely packed, upright spikes, giving a candle-like appearance which resonates with its name 'Chandelier'. The individual blooms resemble pea flowers, as they are part of the same family, and they intricately arrange themselves around the spikes. Each spike stands tall and is comprised of many small, individual blossoms that together create a lush, vertical column of color. The foliage of the Lupin 'Chandelier' is equally beautiful and distinctive; the leaves are palm-shaped with multiple leaflets that spread out in a star-like pattern. These leaflets are a deep green color, providing a lush backdrop to the bright yellow spikes and adding to the plant's overall lush and bushy appearance. In addition to the main flowering spikes, the Lupin 'Chandelier' may also produce side shoots, which add more points of color and a multi-dimensional aspect to the plant's visual display. When in full bloom, the collective impression is one of grandeur and boldness, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create dramatic highlights within a garden bed or border.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Chandelier Lupine, Noble Band Lupine, Band of Nobles Lupine
Common names
Lupinus 'Chandelier'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Lupine, specifically Lupinus 'Chandelier', is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids, which can cause poisoning. Symptoms of lupine poisoning may include agitation, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, respiratory depression or cardiac arrhythmia. It is essential to avoid eating any parts of this plant due to its potential harmful effects.
To pets
Lupine, including the varieties such as Lupinus 'Chandelier', is toxic to pets. If ingested, pets can suffer from lupine poisoning. The symptoms might include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, rapid breathing, weakness, and convulsions. Especially in larger quantities, consuming lupine can lead to more severe issues such as liver or kidney damage. Pet owners should keep their animals away from this plant to avoid accidental ingestion and subsequent poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Lupinus 'Chandelier' offers bright, vertical spires of flowers that add a striking visual element to any garden.
- Easy to Grow: It is a hardy perennial that can flourish in a variety of climates with minimal care.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Soil Enrichment: As a member of the legume family, Lupins can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.
- Seasonal Interest: Lupinus 'Chandelier' has a seasonal display of flowers typically in late spring to early summer, brightening gardens when many other plants are not in peak bloom.
- Versatility in Landscaping: The plant can be used in borders, cottage gardens, or as a part of a flowering meadow mix, providing versatility in garden design.
- Resilience: It is relatively pest and disease resistant, which makes it a reliable choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance options.
- Companion Planting: They can be beneficially planted with a variety of other species, providing a complementary backdrop or contrast in textures and colors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The flowers of lupine can be used to extract a natural dye for coloring fabrics or other materials.
- Photography subject: Lupines, with their impressive spikes of flowers, are a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Garden border: The upright habit and height of lupine make it suitable for creating dramatic borders in a garden landscape.
- Companion planting: Lupines can be used in companion planting to provide support to weaker plants or to enhance the overall aesthetic of a garden.
- Biodegradable product material: Lupine fibers could potentially be used in the creation of biodegradable materials such as pots for plants or packaging.
- Erosion control: The robust root system of lupine can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on sloped landscapes.
- Artistic inspiration: The vibrant colors and patterns of lupine flowers serve as inspiration for artists and can be featured in paintings and textiles.
- Culinary decoration: While not a common practice, the colorful flowers of lupines can be used as decorative elements in culinary presentations.
- Nitrogen fixation demonstration: In educational settings, lupines can be used to demonstrate nitrogen fixation in the soil as a part of biology and botany courses.
- Wildlife habitat: Planting lupines can provide a habitat for beneficial insects and serve as a valuable food source for bees and butterflies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lupine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lupine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Imagination: Lupine flowers, like those in the 'Chandelier' variety, are often associated with imagination due to their rich, vibrant colors and striking appearance, inspiring creativity and fanciful thoughts.
- Innovation: The unique spiky blooms of lupines symbolize the ability to think differently and come up with novel ideas, much like their unusual and distinctive flower spikes stand out in a garden.
- Transformation: With their growth from humble seeds into tall, showy spikes, lupines often represent transformation, signifying the profound changes that can occur in life.
- Devotion: The abundant and tightly packed flowers of the 'Chandelier' lupine can symbolize a deep sense of dedication and heartiness, reflecting the plant's vigorous growth and loyalty to the place it is sown.
- Endurance: As lupines are known to thrive in tough conditions, they can represent endurance and the ability to persist through challenges, much like their capacity to withstand poor soils and harsh climates.
WaterLupine 'Chandelier' requires regular watering to maintain moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. During hotter periods, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely. However, be cautious not to overwater, as lupines do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
LightLupines, including the 'Chandelier' variety, thrive in full sun conditions. The plant should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The best spot for a 'Chandelier' lupine would be in an open area that is not shaded by larger plants or structures during the critical sunlight hours.
TemperatureLupines like 'Chandelier' prefer cooler climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. They grow best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Lupines can survive temperatures up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to higher temperatures might stress the plant.
PruningPruning 'Chandelier' lupines encourages bushier growth and may promote a second bloom. After the initial spring flowers fade, cut back the spent flower spikes to just above a set of leaves. This can be done typically once a season or after each blooming cycle. The best time for pruning is immediately after the bloom period ends.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLupine 'Chandelier' thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix containing equal parts loam, sand, and well-rotted compost or manure will provide good drainage and the necessary nutrients. For potting, use a commercial seed starting mix or peat-based potting soil to ensure a light, aerated foundation that retains moisture yet drains excess water efficiently.
RepottingChandelier Lupine should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new container before the growing season. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one to prevent waterlogging.
Humidity & MistingLupines, including the Chandelier variety, are tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefer moderate conditions. They do well in average humidity found in most outdoor environments. Avoid placing them in overly dry or excessively humid conditions which may stress the plant or promote disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and cool indoor temperatures.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Lupine 'Chandelier' (Band of Nobles Series) starts with seed germination, which requires scarification or soaking to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing deep taproots and rosettes of palmate leaves. As the plant matures, it sends up a tall spike adorned with a dense cluster of bright yellow pea-like flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers give way to seed pods that turn brown as they mature. The plant then enters a period of senescence, where leaf and flower production ceases, and it eventually dies back, usually after setting seed. Some lupines are perennial and may return the following year from the same rootstock if the conditions are favorable, while others are more annual or biennial in habit.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Lupinus 'Chandelier', also known as the Chandelier Lupine, is commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow seeds for Lupines is in spring or late winter. To propagate by seed, one should first scarify the seeds by lightly sanding or nicking the hard seed coat to allow water to penetrate more easily, then soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the coat further. After preparing the seeds, they can be sown directly into the ground or into pots with a well-draining soil mix, burying them at a depth of about an eighth to a quarter of an inch (3 to 6 mm). It's important to keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 14 to 28 days. Once the seedlings have grown strong enough, they can be transplanted to their final growing positions, ensuring they are placed in an area with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
