Lupinus hartwegii Avalune Blue - Annual Lupin Seeds

The Annual Lupin 'Avalune Blue' is a new variety of Lupinus hartwegii or Hartweg's Lupin from the Avalune series, characterized by compact and bushy plants, ideal for border or container cultivation, which flower just 11 weeks after sowing. This villous Lupin offers a intensely coloured, rich bluish-purple flowering, just touched with white. Much sturdier than the species-type, it also produces shorter spikes. Their subtle fragrance, reminiscent of sweet peas, is most noticeable in the evening. Sow it in full sun, in light or sandy soil, with a tendency towards acidity, even poor.

The villous Lupin (Lupinus hartwegii) is a Mexican annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. 'Avalune Blue' has a very compact habit, reaching 40 cm in height when flowering, with a width of 35 cm. The compound leaves are distinguished from other Fabaceae by their palmate leaves with at least five leaflets, radiating from a single petiole. They are villous and dark green. In June-July, short upright spikes covered with flowers grouped in dense whorls appear, each flower measuring 1 to 2 cm long. The flowers, resembling those of peas in structure, are red and white and slightly fragrant. The fruit is a pod containing several large seeds, easy to sow. The roots of this plant capture atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into fertilizing elements, helping to enrich poor soils. This easy-to-grow plant also serves as valuable green manure.

Annual lupins, thriving in light, poor, ungrateful soils without limestone, self-sow in gardens that suit them, creating an abundance of often fragrant spikes. They form beautiful beds alongside hollyhocks and peonies, requiring little maintenance. For a more natural setting, associate lupins with sainfoin, vetches, and grasses. In a more refined setting, such as a terrace or patio, the 'Avalune Blue' variety stands out particularly well surrounded by nasturtiums, cranesbills, and dwarf dahlias.