Lupinus perennis - seeds

The perennial Lupin or Lupinus perennis is a wild species that blooms earlier than Garden Lupin (L. x Russellii). From May onwards, it unfolds long spikes of blue-purple, decorative flowers, loved by bees and butterflies. They are recognisable by the tuft of highly divided, beautiful bright green leaves, above which the flowers rise majestically. This species should be sown despite its average germination rate, as it establishes quickly and lasts for years, self-seeding naturally once settled. It thrives in poor sandy soils, in the sun.

The perennial Lupin, or wild Lupin, is a member of the large family of Fabaceae (Legumes), which includes nearly 20,000 species of all types, trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants. Many species are ornamental such as "Mimosas" (Acacia in the botanical sense) or Brooms (Genista), while many others are an important part of our diet (lentils, peas, beans...) or have agricultural uses (alfalfa, clovers...). Many are capable of capturing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships developed with bacteria present in nodules on their roots. This characteristic, used in agriculture through the sowing of "green manure", also explains the ability of these plants to establish themselves in very poor soils which may be inhospitable to other plants.
This is true of Lupinus perennis, whose natural habitat is generally dunes or savannas, sandy soils poor in nutrients. This botanical species grows throughout the eastern part of the United States, from Florida to Maine, extending up to Canada (Ontario and Labrador). This lupin is extremely cold-resistant and prefers acidic, well-drained, and even dry soils. In our climates, it will also develop in neutral soils, but not in limestone or clay soils, as it does not tolerate excess water.
It forms a clump of about 50 cm in all directions, with easily recognizable highly divided leaves, similar in appearance to the widespread Russell Lupin, well known in our gardens. From May and for several weeks, until June, sometimes July, tall, eye-catching spikes rise above the vegetation, reaching a height of 1 m. They are made up of dozens of blue-purple, 'pea' flowers, typical of the Fabaceae family. The flowers bloom from the bottom, with the top of the spike being tapered and greenish until the terminal flowers open in turn, taking on their mauve colour. The flowers are nectar-rich and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. After fading, they develop into hairy, brown-yellow pods containing 5 to 6 seeds. These pods ripen in mid-summer and open, projecting the seeds at a distance, allowing the species to spread through natural sowing. Once this is completed, the clump will gradually dry out by autumn, especially if the summer is hot, and go into dormancy.

Perennial Lupins are perfect for poor and light soils, without limestone, and readily self-seed in suitable gardens. Combine them with plants that have summer appeal, as they lose their ornamental interest after flowering. Gaura is ideal to take over from Lupins, as it blooms continuously from June to October. Many varieties with white or pink flowers are available, and they have a natural charm that complements the Lupin perfectly. In the same slightly wild spirit, Oenothera fruticosa Sonnenwende is an Evening Primrose with golden yellow flowers that spread from June to September, on dark green foliage that turns purple in autumn. And to enjoy even more cheerful colours, Papaver nudicaule Champagne Bubbles Mix is an assortment of multicoloured Iceland Poppies, which from June to September produce large flowers with a slightly wrinkled appearance, in shades of white, yellow, orange, or salmon...