Lupine Lupinus × regalis Russell Group
ABOUT
The Lupinus × regalis, commonly known as the Russell lupine, is a hybrid plant known for its colorful and showy spikes of flowers that come in a variety of shades including blues, purples, pinks, whites, and reds. The Russell lupine has palmate leaves, meaning the leaves are composed of leaflets that spread out from a central point, much like the fingers on a hand. These leaflets are typically a rich green color and have a slightly hairy texture. The flowers of the Russell lupine are densely packed on erect spires and are loved by gardeners for their vivid colors and vertical interest. The blooms are pea-like in shape, and each individual flower has a standard petal that stands up and wings that arefused at the top. The Russell lupine is also known to attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, adding to the dynamic nature of its garden presence. Aside from its horticultural appeal, the plant's sturdy stems and compound foliage provide a strong structural component to plantings, making it a popular choice for creating a backdrop or as a center of interest. It's also often used in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and as a cut flower, due to its lengthy and prominent floral display. Despite the absence of detail about its size, the Russell lupine's impressive floral spires and attractive foliage make it a distinctive and prominent feature in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Russell Lupine, Russell Hybrid Lupines, Russell Lupins.
Common names
Lupinus × regalis Russell Group.
ToxicityTo humans
Lupins, specifically the Russell lupins, contain alkaloids that can be toxic to humans if ingested. Poisoning symptoms typically include dizziness, difficulty in breathing, sleepiness, and convulsions. In some cases, ingestion may lead to severe digestive discomfort, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chronic or severe poisoning may potentially result in respiratory failure or even death, so it is important to avoid eating any part of the lupin plant.
To pets
Russell lupins are toxic to pets due to the presence of alkaloids. If ingested by pets, such as dogs or cats, these plants can cause symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, more serious symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and respiratory trouble can occur. Consumption of lupins can potentially lead to poisoning, which can be life-threatening, thus pets should be prevented from eating any part of these plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: The Russell Lupin displays tall spikes of colorful flowers, adding height and drama to garden beds and landscapes.
- Pollinator attraction: They attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Erosion control: With their deep root systems, Russell Lupins help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Nitrogen fixation: As legumes, they have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit other plants in the garden.
- Versatility in landscaping: They can be used in borders, as background plants, or for naturalizing in wildflower gardens.
- Cold hardy: Russell Lupins are tolerant of frost, making them suitable for cooler climates.
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 from Lupinus × regalis can be used as a high-protein addition to animal feed, but they must first be treated to remove alkaloids.
- The flowering spikes of Lupinus × regalis can be used in floral arrangements to add height and colour to the display.
- Lupinus × regalis plants can be intercropped with fruit trees or vines to increase biodiversity and provide habitat for beneficial insects.
- The deep roots of Lupinus × regalis can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and embankments.
- The stems and foliage of Lupinus × regalis after senescence can be composted to enrich soil organic content.
- Dried Lupinus × regalis can be used in crafts or as a natural dye source, providing various shades of yellow to green.
- Used in educational settings, Lupinus × regalis can be a subject for horticultural study due to hybrid vigor and variation.
- Seed pods from Lupinus × regalis can be collected and used for seed art or as a component in creating botanical jewelry.
- Lupinus × regalis is sometimes used in nitrogen-fixation demonstrations in agricultural education due to its symbiotic relationship with rhizobia.
- The compact growth habit of some Lupinus × regalis cultivars makes them suitable for container gardening and urban balconies.
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: Larkspur, or Lupinus × regalis, is commonly associated with a sense of imagination due to its diverse and striking colors that ignite creative thoughts.
- Lightness: The light, airy arrangement of the larkspur's blooms lends itself to the symbolization of lightness and an uplifted spirit.
- Affection: In the language of flowers, larkspur can represent an open heart and attachment to someone, thus symbolizing affection.
- Protection: Certain folklore suggests that larkspur has the ability to ward off evil spirits and can symbolize protection.
- Ardent Attachment: Reflecting the passionate nature of its colorful spikes, larkspur can symbolize a strong bond or an intense feeling of fondness toward another person.
WaterRussell Lupines should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root development, about once a week, with 1-2 gallons of water per plant, depending on the weather conditions. During hot and dry spells, watering may need to be increased to twice a week, but never allow the soil to remain soggy as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy in late fall to prevent excess moisture from accumulating around its roots during colder months.
LightRussell Lupines thrive best in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish. They can tolerate partial shade but flowering might be less profuse. The ideal spot for planting them is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, ensuring the plants receive the illumination needed for optimal growth and bloom production.
TemperatureRussell Lupines prefer cooler conditions and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but not for prolonged periods as they can suffer damage from hard freezes. The ideal growing temperature range is between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are resilient to varying temperatures, but sustained heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plants.
PruningPruning Russell Lupines is primarily done to promote a second bloom and to keep the plants tidy. Deadheading, or removing spent flower spikes, can encourage reblooming. Cut the flower spike back to the base after blooming to potentially encourage a second flush of flowers. During late fall or winter, remove any dead or diseased foliage to prepare the plant for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRussell lupine thrives in light, sandy, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A well-draining mix with added organic matter, such as compost or peat, is ideal.
RepottingRussell lupine, being perennials, do not typically require repotting. They are best sown or planted in situ, where they can grow undisturbed for years.
Humidity & MistingRussell lupines do not require high humidity; they prefer moderate atmospheric moisture but are fairly adaptable to varying humidity levels in the outdoor garden environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool temperatures, and air circulation for indoor Russell lupine.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and protect from strong winds for outdoor Russell lupine.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Russell lupine (Lupinus × regalis Russell Group) begins its life cycle as a seed, which after sowing, germinates when soil temperatures and moisture levels are favorable, typically in spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves, drawing nutrients from the soil to build a strong root system. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and a profusion of leaflets; the plant undergoes vegetative growth to become a full-fledged lupine plant. The next stage is the flowering period, when the Russell lupine produces tall, showy spikes adorned with pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, pink, or white during late spring to summer. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers produce seed pods that eventually dry and release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The parent plant may die after setting seed, particularly if it is treated as an annual, or it may persist and undergo dormancy during the winter to regrow the following spring if it is grown as a perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring-summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Lupinus × regalis Russell Group, commonly known as Russell Lupine, is by seed. To propagate Russell Lupines, plant the seeds in late winter or early spring directly into a well-draining soil mix. The seeds have a tough outer coating, so it's advisable to soak them in water for 24 hours prior to planting to improve germination rates. Sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep (approximately 3 millimeters) and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings typically emerge within 14 to 28 days, depending on soil temperature and conditions. Gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting them to their final location in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
