Lupinus polyphyllus Noble Maiden - Large-leaved Lupine

The perennial Russel Hybrid lupin 'Noble Maiden', also known as Lupinus x polyphyllus 'La Demoiselle', is a classic in English gardens and large flower beds. Its tall spikes mix creamy buds and white flowers, exuding a sweet peppery fragrance. They bring verticality and a beautiful touch of light to any setting. Easy to sow in place, it forms superb clumps with deeply divided, rich green leaves, capable of flowering in the first year, in spring or summer. Its flowers last 5 to 7 days in a vase. It is an undemanding perennial plant, but prefers deep, moist, slightly acidic and sandy soil, and will flower best in full sun.

It is commonly accepted that Russell lupins are hybrids obtained by cross-breeding Lupinus polyphyllus, a perennial plant, and Lupinus hartwegii, an annual plant. The best of them were patiently selected in the 1930s by a gardener named George Russell, who was passionate about Lupins. This old variety 'Noble Maiden', is still widely planted in gardens. It is a vigorous herbaceous perennial, forming clumps of 80-90cm (31.5-35.4in) in height when in flower and 60cm (23.6in) in width within a few months. In late spring and early summer, from May to July, it displays long, slightly stiff spikes that are very graphic, densely filled with creamy buds opening into large, pure white pea-like flowers, slightly fragrant. The rich green and opulent foliage stands out from other legumes with its palmate leaves, each with at least 5 leaflets radiating from a single petiole. The lupin's vegetation disappears in winter and regenerates in spring.

Perfect for poor and light soils, but without limestone, perennial lupins readily self-seed in suitable gardens, providing a profusion of often fragrant spikes in rainbow colours. Soften their slightly stiff silhouettes with plants with rounded curves, such as roses and oriental poppies, in matching colors. They blend well with hollyhocks, cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), and peonies, creating beautiful low-maintenance flower beds. In natural areas, associate them with bear's breeches, sainfoin, alfalfa, vetches, and grasses.