Lupine Lupinus 'The Governor' (Band of Nobles Series)
ABOUT
Lupinus 'The Governor', commonly known as lupin or lupine, is a striking perennial plant known for its dense spikes of pealike flowers which are incredibly showy and vibrant in coloration. This cultivar, part of the Band of Nobles series, presents a mix of bi-colored blooms that typically exhibit a deep, rich blue hue contrasted with white standards, the upright portions of the petals. The flowers are densely packed around a strong central spike, which gives the impression of a floral tower. The foliage of Lupinus 'The Governor' is equally attractive, consisting of palmate leaves that are made up of several leaflets radiating outwards from a single point, creating a star-like shape. These leaves often have a fine, downy texture, adding to the plant's overall lush appearance. The foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the floral display and adds to the textural interest of the plant. During the blooming period, the visual impact of this lupin is magnificent, making it a popular choice for garden borders, cottage gardens, and as a standout specimen amidst a planting scheme. Moreover, it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the dynamism of any garden where it resides. Lupinus 'The Governor' is celebrated for its stately and elegant form, with flowers that bring a vertical dimension and a pop of color to wherever they're planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Lupin, Blue Lupin, The Governor Lupine
Common names
Lupinus 'The Governor'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lupine, including Lupinus 'The Governor', contains alkaloid compounds known to be toxic to humans if ingested. Consumption of the seeds or other plant parts can lead to symptoms including dizziness, difficulty breathing, accelerated heartbeat, and convulsions. In severe cases, lupine poisoning can result in respiratory depression and death. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of the lupine plant.
To pets
Lupine is also toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. The alkaloids can cause symptoms of toxicity that may include vomiting, lethargy, tremors, and loss of coordination. In severe cases, ingestion of lupine can lead to respiratory failure and can be fatal. If a pet ingests lupine, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
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
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lupinus 'The Governor', commonly known as Lupine, produces showy spikes of deep blue and white flowers that add a dramatic touch to any garden setting.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Nitrogen Fixation: As a member of the legume family, Lupine can fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility and benefiting nearby plants.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Lupine is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Cold Hardy: Lupine is known for its hardiness and can survive in cooler temperatures, making it a good choice for northern gardens.
- Versatility: It is suitable for a variety of garden designs, including wildflower meadows, borders, and cottage gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Lupine is generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in suitable conditions.
- Fast Growing: Lupine has a rapid growth rate, which can quickly fill in areas of the garden, providing a lush look in a shorter period.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is less appealing to deer than other garden plants, reducing the likelihood of damage from grazing.
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 of 'The Governor', can be used as a protein-rich grain substitute if properly prepared to remove alkaloids.
- The tall and colorful spires of 'The Governor' make excellent cut flowers for floral arrangements.
- Lupines, like 'The Governor', can be used in the practice of phytoremediation to restore nitrogen to depleted soils.
- When densely planted, 'The Governor' can act as a natural deterrent for soil erosion on slopes and embankments.
- The leaves of 'The Governor' can serve as a natural mulch, decomposing to enrich the soil with nutrients.
- The dried seed pods of 'The Governor' can be used in decorative crafts and as a textural element in dried flower arrangements.
- By planting 'The Governor' Lupines, one can create a habitat that is attractive to beneficial insects and pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- The stems of 'The Governor' Lupines can be used in basket-weaving and other fiber arts after proper preparation and drying.
- 'The Governor' can be planted as a cover crop to suppress weeds, as its dense growth habit shades out unwanted plants.
- The vibrant blossoms of 'The Governor' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, though the colors may be subtle and require mordants to fix the dye.
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: The Lupinus 'The Governor', commonly known as Lupine, is often associated with imagination due to its vibrant and striking appearance, igniting creativity and inspiration in those who behold it.
- Innovation: With its unique spikes of flowers, Lupine symbolizes an ability to think differently and come up with novel ideas, reflecting an innovative spirit.
- Transformation: The growth cycle of the Lupine, from seed to a tall, beautiful flowering plant, signifies transformation and personal growth, representing life's ever-changing nature.
- Admiration: The stunning blooms and stately presence of Lupine can symbolize the admiration one might feel towards another's accomplishments or qualities.
- Devotion: Due to its perennial nature, the Lupine also symbolizes a long-lasting devotion and commitment, whether in friendship, love, or other pursuits.
- Appreciation: Giving someone Lupine flowers can be a gesture of appreciation, signaling gratitude and recognition toward that individual.
WaterThe Lupine 'The Governor' prefers evenly moist soil, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering once a week, but this frequency could vary based on temperature and climate conditions. The method should be a gentle watering at the base of the plant, avoiding getting water on the foliage to prevent disease. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the soil thoroughly, which usually means about 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions.
LightLupines, including 'The Governor', prefer full sun to partial shade, which means they thrive best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. They will do best in a spot that is sunny in the morning with some afternoon shade in hotter regions to protect them during the hottest part of the day. They can tolerate some light shade but too much shade may reduce blooming and weaken the plant.
TemperatureLupine 'The Governor' does well in a range of temperatures but prefers cool summer climates. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F and up to 75°F. Ideal growing conditions would include daytime temperatures around 60°F to 65°F and slightly cooler temperatures at night, ensuring the best growth and flowering performance.
PruningPrune Lupine 'The Governor' to encourage more blooms and to maintain plant shape. Deadhead spent flower spikes after blooming to promote a second flush of flowers and to prevent self-seeding. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early winter after it has died back naturally. Pruning out any diseased or damaged growth as it appears throughout the growing season can also help maintain the health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Lupine 'The Governor', a soil mix composed of well-draining sandy loam, rich in organic material with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Ensure good aeration to prevent root rot.
RepottingLupine 'The Governor' does not generally require frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant. Repot only if it outgrows its container, which might not be necessary annually.
Humidity & MistingLupine 'The Governor' prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and doesn't require specific humidity levels to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, shield from strong winds, ensure well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Lupin 'The Governor' begins with seed germination, which is usually in early spring after the threat of frost has passed. The seedlings quickly develop into young plants with distinctive palmate leaves. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, presenting tall, showy spikes of blue and white pea-like flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant produces seed pods that mature by late summer, eventually drying and releasing seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of senescence as the foliage dies back, especially in regions with cold winters, though some may remain as semi-evergreen in milder climates. In the subsequent spring, the plant may regrow from its robust root system if it is a perennial or will require reseeding if treated as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Lupinus 'The Governor', commonly known as the Lupin, can be propagated primarily through seed sowing. The best time to propagate Lupins by seeds is in spring or early autumn. To propagate Lupins from seed, one should first soak the seeds in water for a period of 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell and promote germination. After soaking, the seeds can be sown about 1/8 inch deep (approximately 3 millimeters) in a well-draining seed starting mix. The seed tray should then be placed in a location that receives indirect light and maintains a consistent temperature of around 55-65°F (12-18°C). Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which typically happens within 14-21 days. Once seedlings have established, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden.
