Lupinus polyphyllus Russell Hybrids Mix

The Russell Hybrids perennial lupin mix, (Lupinus (x) polyphyllus Russell Mix), is an interesting plant to bring verticality and colour to flower beds. Easy to sow in place, the seeds produce vigorous flowering plants with long spikes covered in large, highly coloured flowers, ranging from cream to pink, orange, blue, and purple, either solid or bicoloured. They form superb clumps with deeply divided, bright green leaves. While not particularly demanding, they prefer a deep, moist, slightly acidic, and sandy soil, as well as full sun.

It is commonly accepted that Russell hybrid lupins are hybrids obtained by cross-breeding Lupinus polyphyllus, a perennial plant, and Lupinus hartwegii, an annual. The best of them were patiently selected in the 1930s by a gardener named George Russell, who was passionate about lupins. Since then, this Russell Hybrids Mix has enjoyed unwavering success among enthusiasts. It is a vigorous herbaceous perennial, forming clumps that reach 90 cm (35.4 in) in height when in flower and 60 cm (23.6 in) in width, with rapid growth. In late spring and early summer, it displays long spikes that are a bit stiff but very visual, densely adorned with fragrant pea-like flowers in a wide range of colours, including white, cream, pink, orange, blue, or violet, either solid or bicoloured. The bright and lush green foliage stands out from that of other legumes in the Fabaceae family with its palmate leaves, which have a minimum of 5 leaflets radiating from a single petiole.

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 that have rounded curves, such as roses and oriental poppies, in matching colours. They thrive alongside hollyhocks and peonies, creating beautiful low-maintenance flower beds. In natural areas, combine them with sainfoin, alfalfa, vetches, and grasses.