Lupine Lupinus 'Towering Inferno'
ABOUT
The Lupinus 'Towering Inferno', commonly known as lupine, is a visually striking plant characterized by its spike-like clusters of flowers, which come in a fiery mix of reds, oranges, and yellows, reminiscent of blazing flames. These vivid blossoms are densely packed on upright stalks that rise above the plant's foliage. The foliage itself consists of palmate leaves, which spread out in a circular shape and are made up of several leaflets radiating from a central point like fingers from a palm. Each leaflet is slender and often has a slightly grey-green hue, which contrasts beautifully against the vibrant colors of the blooms. The overall effect of the 'Towering Inferno' lupine is dramatic and colorful, making it a standout addition to any garden where it commands attention with its bold hues and striking floral display.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Towering Inferno Lupine.
Common names
Lupinus 'Towering Inferno'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lupins, including the 'Towering Inferno', contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested. The toxicity level can vary based on the specific type and part of the plant consumed, with seeds often containing higher concentrations of alkaloids. If ingested by humans, lupins can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe and may include lethargy, confusion, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), difficulty breathing, convulsions, and potentially be life-threatening due to their impact on the nervous system. It is essential to avoid eating lupins unless they have been properly prepared to reduce alkaloid content, as is done with certain culinary lupin seeds.
To pets
Lupins are also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, and can cause symptoms similar to those in humans if ingested. In pets, lupin poisoning can result in vomiting, lethargy, agitation, tremors, and seizures. Severe cases may lead to respiratory failure and death. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if a pet consumes any part of a lupin plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Lupinus 'Towering Inferno' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This plant offers striking vertical accents with its tall spires of flowers, adding height and drama to garden landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Lupinus 'Towering Inferno' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Variety of Uses: It can be used in mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as a standalone feature, providing versatility in garden design.
- Improves Soil Quality: As a member of the legume family, Lupinus 'Towering Inferno' can fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is generally easy to care for and can be grown without the need for complex gardening techniques.
- Seasonal Interest: It flowers in the late spring to early summer, providing vibrant color when many other plants are not in full bloom.
- Cold Hardy: Lupinus 'Towering Inferno' is resilient to cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in 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 as a Grain Alternative: The seeds of 'Towering Inferno' lupine can be used as a grain alternative when properly processed to remove alkaloids, providing a gluten-free option for baking and cooking.
- Green Manure: Lupines, including 'Towering Inferno', can be used as green manure to enrich the soil with nitrogen, a key nutrient for plant growth.
- Livestock Feed: Although they require processing to make them safe, lupine seeds can be used as high-protein fodder for livestock.
- Biodegradable Pots: The fibrous material from lupine stems can be fashioned into biodegradable plant pots that decompose naturally in the soil.
- Floral Arrangements: The spiky blooms of 'Towering Inferno' make dramatic additions to fresh or dried floral arrangements.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of lupines helps stabilize soil, making 'Towering Inferno' an excellent choice for controlling erosion on slopes or banks.
- Companion Planting: Lupines are known to benefit neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, making 'Towering Inferno' a valuable companion plant in gardens.
- Craft Dye: The petals of lupines can be used to naturally dye fabrics or yarns, offering hues of blue or purple depending on the part of the flower used.
- Photography Subject: The striking appearance of the 'Towering Inferno' lupine makes it an attractive subject for nature photography and art projects.
- Educational Resource: Schools and educational programs can use 'Towering Inferno' to teach students about plant biology, botany, and horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lupin is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lupin is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Imagination: Lupine flowers are often associated with imagination due to their vibrant and colorful spikes, reminding people of the creative spark and wonder.
- Transformation: The name 'Towering Inferno' suggests a powerful force of change and rebirth, much like a phoenix rising from ashes.
- Happiness: The bright and cheerful appearance of lupines can symbolize happiness and a general sense of well-being.
- Innovation: The unique and striking look of the Towering Inferno variety may represent innovation and thinking outside the box.
- Opportunity: Lupines often symbolize new opportunities or ventures, perhaps from the way they self-seed and spread to new areas.
WaterFor Lupine 'Towering Inferno', ensure the soil stays evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Reduce watering frequency as the weather cools or if rainfall is sufficient to maintain soil moisture.
LightLupine 'Towering Inferno' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to perform its best. Choose a spot in your garden that receives ample morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching.
TemperatureLupine 'Towering Inferno' prefers cooler temperatures and will thrive in areas where the temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F. It is hardy and can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, but should be protected from frost. Optimal growth occurs within this temperature range, with cooler nighttime temperatures being beneficial.
PruningPrune Lupine 'Towering Inferno' to promote bushiness and to remove spent flower spikes, which can encourage a second bloom. Deadheading after the initial bloom can also help prevent the plant from spending energy on seed production. Pruning is generally done in late summer or early fall, after flowering, but avoid heavy pruning in fall to prevent damaging new buds that are forming for next year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLupine 'Towering Inferno' thrives in light, well-draining soil with moderate fertility. A mix of loamy soil with peat moss or well-aged compost would be ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Regular mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
RepottingLupines, like the 'Towering Inferno', typically do not require frequent repotting and prefer to be left undisturbed due to their deep taproots. Repotting is usually only necessary if the plant has outgrown its current container or if the soil needs replenishment. This may occur every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingLupine 'Towering Inferno' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the natural humidity found in most outdoor garden environments. They do not require special humidity adjustments when grown outside in suitable climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and room for taproots.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Towering Inferno Lupine begins its life as a seed, typically sown in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Once germinated, the seedling develops into a young plant or juvenile phase, establishing a deep taproot and producing a rosette of palmate leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it grows rapidly, followed by the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, showcasing tall, vibrant spires of red and orange flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, and once the seeds mature, the pods burst open to disseminate the seeds. The plant then enters a period of senescence, where it begins to decline in vigor as the growing season ends. Many lupines are perennial, so while some parts of the plant die back in the winter, the root system remains alive, allowing the plant to regrow the following spring, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method for propagating Lupinus 'Towering Inferno', commonly known as the Lupine, is through seed. To ensure successful growth, sow Lupine seeds in late winter or early spring. Cold stratify the seeds by placing them in a refrigerator for a week to mimic the natural chill of winter, which helps break their dormancy. After stratification, sow seeds in well-draining soil at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) and keep them moist. Germination typically occurs within 14-30 days. Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with rich, slightly acidic soil, after the risk of frost has passed.
