Red Lupine Lupinus 'Gallery Red' (Gallery Series)
ABOUT
Lupinus 'Gallery Red', commonly known as the Red Lupine from the Gallery Series, is a striking ornamental plant that features vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. These vivid flowers are arranged in dense, upright spikes that showcase a brilliant red color, which is particularly eye-catching against the greenery of gardens. Each individual bloom is shaped like a pea flower, adding to the textural interest of the plant. The foliage of Red Lupine consists of palmate leaves, which are made up of several leaflets radiating out from a central point, resembling the fingers of a hand. The leaves are typically a deep green color, which creates a lush backdrop for the dramatic red flowers. As a cultivated variety in the Gallery Series, Red Lupine stands out for its showy floral display which can add a splash of color to borders, flower beds or as a part of a mixed plant grouping, where its striking red blossoms can create focal points or contrast with other plants' flowers and foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Lupine, Lupin.
Common names
Lupinus 'Gallery Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lupines, including Lupinus 'Gallery Red', contain alkaloids which can be toxic to humans if ingested. These alkaloids, such as lupinine and sparteine, can cause symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat, and convulsions. Severe cases of lupine poisoning might lead to central nervous system depression and potentially be life-threatening. It is essential to avoid consuming any part of the lupine plant, especially seeds, which harbor a higher concentration of these toxic alkaloids.
To pets
Lupines, like Lupinus 'Gallery Red', are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The plant contains alkaloids which, when ingested, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, agitation, fast heartbeat, and tremors. In severe cases, lupine poisoning can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. All parts of the plant, but especially the seeds and pods, should be considered potentially dangerous if consumed by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Features bold, red spires of flowers that add vibrant color to gardens in late spring to early summer.
- Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, it enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Compact Growth: The 'Gallery' series is bred for a more compact form, making it ideal for smaller gardens or container planting.
- Deer Resistant: Tends to be resistant to deer browsing, which is beneficial for gardens in deer-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest from spring to summer and even into fall with its seed pods and foliage.
- Adaptable: Can thrive in a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Fast Growth: Quick to grow and establish, providing near-immediate gratification in a garden setting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lupine seeds, including those from Lupinus 'Gallery Red', are sometimes used as a high-protein addition to animal feed, particularly for poultry and sheep, though they must be prepared properly to remove alkaloids.
- The Lupinus 'Gallery Red', like other lupines, can be used in crop rotation to improve soil fertility due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
- Lupinus 'Gallery Red' can be planted in wildflower or meadow gardens to provide a burst of color and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- The sturdy stems of Lupinus 'Gallery Red' can be used in informal flower arrangements to create structure and add a vivid pop of color.
- The plant's ability to grow in poor soil makes it suitable for erosion control on banks and slopes where other plants might not thrive.
- Fine fibers from the stalks of the Lupinus 'Gallery Red' plants might be used in traditional crafting for making paper or fabric, though not commercially common.
- The dense foliage of Lupinus 'Gallery Red' can provide a habitat for beneficial insects, aiding in maintaining a balanced garden ecosystem.
- Dried stems and seed pods of Lupinus 'Gallery Red' can be used in dried floral crafts and arrangements for autumnal decorations.
- As an educational tool, Lupinus 'Gallery Red' plants can be grown in school gardens to teach children about botany, especially plant reproduction and pollination.
- In photography and painting, the vivid flowers of Lupinus 'Gallery Red' are often used as subjects to create visually stunning works of art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLupine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLupine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Imagination: In various cultural contexts, lupines are often associated with the power of imagination due to their colorful and diverse blooms.
- Innovation: The multifaceted nature of lupines, especially with their hybrids like 'Gallery Red', symbolizes the ability to create and innovate.
- Admiration: Lupines, including 'Lupinus Gallery Red', are commonly gifted to express admiration towards someone's qualities.
- Happiness: The bright and vivid colors of lupines can represent happiness and a wish for someone to experience joy.
- New Opportunities: The way lupines spread and thrive in various conditions can symbolize new beginnings or seizing new opportunities.
WaterLupines require moderate watering, and the 'Gallery Red' lupine should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which roughly translates to 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hotter and drier periods, water twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and other fungi; water at the base of the plant. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, and mulching can help retain moisture and reduce the watering frequency. Adjust watering depending on weather conditions and soil type; sandy soils may require more frequent watering, whereas clay soils retain moisture longer.
LightThe 'Gallery Red' lupine thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun is ideal as it promotes strong growth and vibrant blooms, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If planted in partial shade, ensure the lupine still receives ample morning sunlight; afternoon shade can help protect it in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade, as it can lead to leggy plants and poor flowering.
Temperature'Gallery Red' lupines perform well in a wide range of temperatures but prefer cooler climates. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F but are susceptible to damage in prolonged freezing conditions. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F to 75°F. These lupines may struggle in high heat, especially if temperatures consistently exceed 85°F, which can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.
PruningPrune 'Gallery Red' lupines to promote bushiness, remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming, and maintain plant health by cutting back to the base of the plant after flowering has finished. Deadheading during the blooming season can also promote a second, though less vigorous, bloom period. Prune in the late fall or early spring, and if fall pruning is missed, early spring pruning before new growth begins is essential for shaping the plant and removing any dead or damaged stems from winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLupines, like Gallery Red, thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for Gallery Red Lupine should be well-draining, light, and somewhat fertile. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite ensures proper drainage and aeration. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to provide nutrients.
RepottingLupine Gallery Red, commonly referred to as Lupine, generally does not require frequent repotting and it is often grown as an annual. If grown as a perennial, repotting might be necessary every 2-3 years to refresh the soil; do so in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingLupine Gallery Red prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor environments. Indoor humidity levels should be similar to those found outdoors, avoiding overly dry or highly humid conditions that can encourage disease or stress the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and good airflow for indoor Lupine.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, well-draining soil, and water moderately for outdoor Lupine.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Lupinus 'Gallery Red', commonly known as the Red Lupine, begins with seed germination, which occurs in late winter to early spring when temperatures become favorable. The seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic palmate leaves. As the weather warms, the plants enter the vegetative growth phase, producing robust foliage and elongating their stems. The reproductive stage follows, with the Red Lupine producing tall, colorful spikes of red flowers from late spring to early summer, which attract pollinators like bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, which mature, dry, and eventually release seeds, completing the cycle. The plant may go dormant or die back in the colder months, especially in regions with harsh winters, if it's not grown as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Lupine 'Gallery Red' is by seed. Sowing can be done either in early spring or in autumn. To encourage germination, it's advisable to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat. Once soaked, the seeds can be sown about a quarter of an inch deep (approximately 6 millimeters) in a well-draining soil mix. Seeds typically germinate in 14 to 28 days at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius). It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent the seeds from rotting. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final location in the garden.
