Lupine Lupinus 'Noble Maiden' (Band of Nobles Series)
ABOUT
Lupinus 'Noble Maiden', often known as Lupin or Lupine, is a striking ornamental plant that boasts a robust and bushy appearance. This variety displays a lush foliage of palmate leaves, which are made up of several leaflets radiating out from a central point, resembling the fingers on a hand. Each leaflet is narrow, with a softly pointed tip, and the edges are lightly scalloped, giving the leaves a delicate, yet hearty texture. The foliage provides an attractive deep green backdrop that accentuates the plant's most remarkable feature—its magnificent flower spikes. The blooms of 'Noble Maiden' Lupin are what truly set it apart. They rise elegantly above the foliage on sturdy stems, each presenting a dense column of gently scented flowers. The flowers are delicately shaped, resembling those of pea plants, which is characteristic of the legume family to which lupins belong. 'Noble Maiden' is known for its creamy white flowers, providing a serene and noble aesthetic aptly fitting its name. These white blossoms can exhibit a subtle hint of another color, often a soft yellow or pale green, contributing to an ethereal and sophisticated visual effect. The contrast of the stately flower spikes against the textured foliage creates a vertical interest in gardens and landscapes, making Lupin 'Noble Maiden' a favorite among gardeners looking for a plant with a poised and elegant appearance. The plant's overall form is full and rounded, giving it a presence that can complement various garden styles, from cottage gardens to more formal or contemporary arrangements. It draws attention not only for its beauty but also as a beacon for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding movement and life to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Noble Maiden Lupin, Noble Maiden Lupine
Common names
Lupinus 'Noble Maiden'
ToxicityTo humans
Lupine, including the 'Noble Maiden' variety, contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of lupine poisoning in humans may include lethargy, confusion, tremors, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and potentially even coma. Ingesting seeds or other parts of the plant may lead to these adverse health effects. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if lupine poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Lupine can be toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses, if ingested. The primary toxic components in lupine are the alkaloids, which can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, convulsions, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmia. In severe cases, ingestion can result in respiratory failure and death. If you suspect your pet has consumed lupine, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lupinus 'Noble Maiden' provides vertical interest in gardens with its showy white spires of flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, aiding in pollination of surrounding plants.
- Nitrogen Fixation: Like other members of the Lupinus genus, 'Noble Maiden' has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility for neighboring plants.
- Versatility: It can be used in borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows, providing versatility in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: With its early to mid-summer blooming period, it adds beauty to the garden when many other plants have yet to bloom or have finished flowering.
- Durable: 'Noble Maiden' is relatively hardy and can thrive in a range of garden conditions, including poor soils.
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 as a grain alternative – They can be ground into flour and used in baking, but must be treated correctly to remove alkaloids.
- Green manure – Lupine can be used to improve soil fertility as it fixes nitrogen into the soil.
- Companion planting – Lupines are often planted among vegetables like cucumbers and squash to enhance growth and repel certain pests.
- Dye production – The petals and seeds of some lupine varieties are used traditionally to make natural dyes.
- Feed for livestock – The foliage of lupines, once treated to reduce alkaloid content, can be used as forage for animals.
- Cover cropping – Lupines are used to prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds when planted as a cover crop.
- Biomass fuel – Lupine can be utilized as a biomass source for the production of renewable energy.
- Education and Research – Different aspects of lupines, such as adaptation and survival, are studied for educational purposes and to enhance agricultural practices.
- Seasonal decoration – Lupines' colorful spikes are often used in floral arrangements and garden designs for aesthetic purposes.
- Crafts and hobbies – The sturdy stems and seed pods of lupines can be used in creative arts for making items like homemade instruments and ornaments.
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's are often associated with the power of the imagination due to their vast array of colors and towering presence that seem to inspire creativity and innovation.
- Admiration: The striking appearance of the Lupine, particularly the 'Noble Maiden' variety, symbolizes the admiration one might feel for the accomplishments or qualities of others.
- Happiness: With its tall and colorful spikes, the Lupine is a symbol of the happiness that can be found in nature's beauty.
- Transformation: Due to the Lupine's ability to rejuvenate the soil by fixing nitrogen, it symbolizes transformation and the power to make positive change.
WaterLupine 'Noble Maiden' should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant should suffice, depending on the weather conditions. During the summer or in particularly hot and dry climates, you may need to water more often to keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged.
LightLupine 'Noble Maiden' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid excessively shaded areas, as too little light can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureLupine 'Noble Maiden' can survive in temperatures ranging from about 20 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal growing temperature for these lupines is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy and can endure occasional dips below freezing, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPrune Lupine 'Noble Maiden' to remove faded flower spikes, this encourages reblooming. Pruning is generally done after the initial bloom period, which typically occurs in late spring or early summer. Deadheading spent blooms can also improve the plant's appearance and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLupine 'Noble Maiden' requires well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as aged compost or manure. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this plant. A mixture of loam or sandy loam soil works best to provide the necessary drainage and aeration.
RepottingLupine 'Noble Maiden' does not typically need frequent repotting as it is often grown as an annual or biennial. If grown as a perennial, repotting every 2-3 years in early spring before the growing season starts is sufficient to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingLupine 'Noble Maiden' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. Average ambient humidity found in temperate climates is suitable for this plant's growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Lupine 'Noble Maiden' in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Lupine 'Noble Maiden' in full sun to partial shade, in cool climates.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleLupine 'Noble Maiden' begins its life cycle with seed germination in early spring after the danger of frost has passed or in autumn where winters are mild. The seeds sprout, sending down a taproot while simultaneously growing their first true leaves. As the plant matures, a rosette of palmate leaves develops and the lupine enters a vegetative state where it focuses on growth and energy accumulation. By late spring to early summer, the plant reaches the flowering stage, producing tall, upright spikes adorned with pea-like white flowers attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, which mature, dry, and eventually split open to disperse seeds. The plant is perennial, entering a period of dormancy in winter before resuming growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Lupinus 'Noble Maiden', commonly known as Lupin, is usually propagated in the early spring or late summer. The most popular method of propagation for Lupins is by taking basal cuttings. To do this, gardeners carefully select healthy, young shoots that are emerging from the base of the plant. These cuttings should include a small amount of the parent plant's root tissue. The chosen shoot is then trimmed just below a node, where the concentration of growth hormones is highest. This cutting, ideally about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, is then planted in a mix of potting soil and perlite to encourage rooting. The environment should be kept humid, often by covering with a plastic bag or propagator lid, and in indirect sunlight until the new Lupin has established its own root system and can be transplanted into the garden.
