Lupinus Avalune Lilac - Annual Lupin Seeds

Lupinus hartwegii 'Avalune Lilac' is a compact, bushy variety, ideal for borders or pots. Also known as Hartweg's Bluebonnet, this fast-growing annual flowers 12 weeks after sowing. It is considerably smaller than common lupins, producing short, bicoloured spikes, with delicately fragrant, sweet-pea like flowers in soft tones of purple and white. Grow close to the house to make the most of their subtle perfume in the evening! It thrives in full sun, in light, sandy, even poor soils, preferably acidic.

The lupin is a genus that encompasses 200 to 1000 species, native to the American continent. They are either annual or perennial, herbaceous or woody-based. Lupins are often grown as a food source throughout the world. This does not apply to ornamental varieties however, as most contain high levels of alkaloids in their seeds and are highly toxic. Lupinus hartwegii or Hartweg's Bluebonnet is a Mexican annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. 'Avalune Lilac' has a very compact habit, growing to 40 cm tall in full bloom for a spread of 30 cm. The compound leaves differ from those of other Fabaceae by their palmate leaves with at least five leaflets, all radiating from the same petiole. They are hairy and dark green. In June-July, short upright spikes appear, covered with 1-2 cm wide flowers grouped into dense whorls. The sweet pea-like blooms are lilac to dep purple and white and slightly fragrant. They are followed by pods containing several large seeds that are easy to sow. Lupin roots capture atmospheric nitrogen, transforming it into fertilizing elements that are useful for enriching poor soils, making it a valuable green manure.

Lupins are a cottage garden favourite, bringing a wonderful verticality and structure to the flower garden. Annual lupins are perfect for poor, light, sandy and acidic soils where they will self-sow easily, offering a profusion of fragrant spikes in summer. They thrive in the company of hollyhocks and peonies, forming attractive, maintenance-free flowerbeds. In natural settings, combine them with sainfoin, Sidalcea hartwegii or ornamental grasses. In more formal settings, terraces or patios, pair them with nasturtiums, geraniums, and dwarf dahlias for example.