Persian Slipper Lupine Lupinus 'Persian Slipper' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Lupinus 'Persian Slipper', more commonly known as Lupine, exhibits a striking appearance that adds a touch of splendor to any garden. This variety of Lupine showcases tall, dense spikes of flowers that rise above the foliage, looking much like towering spires. The blooms exhibit a remarkable blend of blue and purple shades, giving them a majestic and soothing appearance. Each individual flower on the spire is reminiscent of pea flowers in shape, with a soft yet vibrant hue that is often seen as a backdrop to the characteristic white standard that spotlights the center. Lupine's foliage is equally distinctive. The leaves are palmately compound, meaning they have multiple leaflets that spread out from a central point, resembling a hand with fingers extended. This foliage forms a backdrop of rich green, with a textured appearance that adds depth to its overall look. The exquisite combination of the colorful floral spires and the lush, hand-like leaves create a picturesque display that can add both vertical interest and a variety of color to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Persian Slipper Lupine
Common names
Lupinus 'Persian Slipper' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as lupine, including the variety 'Persian Slipper', contains toxic alkaloids such as lupinine, which can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of lupine poisoning in humans may include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory depression, and confusion. Severe cases can lead to convulsions, bradycardia, and even coma. Ingesting lupine seeds or other plant parts should be avoided due to these potential health risks.
To pets
Lupine, including the 'Persian Slipper' variety, is toxic to pets. The plant contains alkaloids which, if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of coordination. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory failure and convulsions. It's important to keep pets from ingesting lupines to prevent any of these toxic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Lupinus 'Persian Slipper' is known to attract bees and butterflies, thus benefiting the local ecosystem.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its striking blue flowers, the plant adds beauty and color to gardens.
- Nitrogen fixation: As a legume, it improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this variety of Lupin is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water.
- Deer resistance: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, making it suitable for areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Seasonal interest: Provides vibrant color in late spring to early summer garden displays.
- Erosion control: The deep root system of Lupinus 'Persian Slipper' helps stabilize the soil, preventing erosion.
- Low maintenance: It generally requires minimal care once established, apart from cutting back after flowering to encourage a second bloom.
- Versatility: Suitable for beds, borders, and as an architectural plant, it adds structure to garden designs.
- Perennial nature: Being a perennial, it will return year after year, offering long-term value in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Dye: Lupine petals, like many other flowers, can be used for natural dyeing of textiles, offering hues that may vary based on the mordant used.
- Green Manure: Lupine can be used as green manure, being tilled back into the soil to improve soil fertility and structure due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities.
- Erosion Control: The plant's deep root system can help stabilize soils and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Photography Prop: The vibrant color and unique shape of the Lupine can be utilized by photographers as a natural prop for outdoor photo shoots.
- Garden Pest Deterrent: While not extensively documented, some gardeners use lupine as a companion plant, with claims that their presence deters certain pests.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried lupine flowers can be included in floral arrangements to provide vertical interest and a pop of color.
- Fodder for Invertebrates: Lupine can serve as a food source for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species (butterflies and moths).
- Educational Tool: Lupine’s growth and nitrogen-fixing can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology and ecology.
- Wildlife Habitat: Tall varieties of lupine can provide shelter for small wildlife within gardens and contribute to creating a wildlife-friendly environment.
- Seed Crafts: Lupine seeds, which are hard and often brightly colored, can be used in decorative crafts and as beads for making jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLupine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLupine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Imagination - Lupines often symbolize imagination due to their vivid and diverse colors.
- Innovation - The hybrid nature of 'Persian Slipper', being a patented cultivar (Plant Breeders' Rights - PBR), represents human creativity and innovation in horticulture.
- Admiration - Lupines can symbolize admiration, as their striking appearance can inspire wonder in those who view them.
- Happiness - Their vibrant flowers are thought to convey a sense of happiness and a celebration of beauty in nature.
WaterFor the Lupine 'Persian Slipper', it is important to water it deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Generally, the plant should be watered once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring the soil becomes moist but not soggy. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently, possibly increasing to twice a week. However, over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to let the soil dry out slightly between watering sessions. Always reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightLupine 'Persian Slipper' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. The plant's ideal lighting condition is a location with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day. This balance of light helps ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
TemperatureThe Lupine 'Persian Slipper' can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may struggle in prolonged cold. The maximum temperature for the plant to remain healthy is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Seasonal variations within these limits will generally not harm the plant.
PruningPruning Lupine 'Persian Slipper' is essential to promote vigorous growth and improve flowering. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce a second flush of blooms. After the flowering season, cut back the flower stalks to the base to tidy up the plant and potentially stimulate another round of blooming. The best time for pruning is immediately after the first bloom fades, typically in midsummer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lupine 'Persian Slipper' includes well-draining soil with a blend of loam, peat, and sand, emulating a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingLupine 'Persian Slipper' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and check root health.
Humidity & MistingLupine 'Persian Slipper' prefers moderate humidity levels around 40-50% but is quite adaptable to the average outdoor humidity range.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright indirect light and cool.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleLupinus 'Persian Slipper', commonly known as Persian Slipper Lupine, begins its life as a seed which, when sown in well-draining soil and given the appropriate stratification period, will germinate to produce a young seedling. The seedling then develops into a vegetative plant with characteristic palmate leaves and will continue to grow given adequate sunlight and moisture. After establishing a strong root system and foliage, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, where it displays vibrant blue to violet flower spikes. Following pollination, usually by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into seed pods. These pods mature, eventually drying and splitting open to release seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. If environmental conditions are unsuitable for immediate germination, the seeds enter a period of dormancy until conditions improve.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lupinus 'Persian Slipper', commonly known as the Lupine, is typically propagated through seed. The most popular way to propagate Lupines is by sowing seeds directly in the ground in late fall or early spring. To ensure successful germination, the hard outer seed coat should be lightly scratched or nicked with a file and then soaked in water for 24 hours to soften it. Sow the seeds at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) in well-draining soil, spacing them about 12 inches (around 30 cm) apart to allow room for the plants to grow. The seedlings usually appear in 14 to 28 days depending on soil temperature and conditions. Once the seedlings have developed their first few sets of true leaves, they can be thinned or transplanted to their final positions.
