Lupinus Tutti Frutti - Large-leaved Lupine seeds

Lupinus 'Tutti Frutti' is a selection with breathtaking colours: mauve, pink, red, yellow and white, all bicoloured. These perennial lupins produce compact clusters of flowers which are larger than most varieties, providing a unique spectacle with their colourful flowers in unprecedented shades.

The lupin is a genus that includes 200 to 1000 species, native to the American continent. They can be annual or perennial, herbaceous or woody. Prolific lupins are used for food, fodder or ornamental purposes, depending on the variety. However, be aware that the seeds of most ornamental species contain high levels of alkaloids and are very toxic. Lupins used for food are called 'sweet lupins'.

The 'Tutti Frutti' Lupin has an exceptionally opulent flowering from May to August. The colours of the bicoloured flowers are mostly unprecedented and create a striking contrast with the glaucous green foliage. This variety reaches a metre in height and pairs perfectly with delicate grasses to lighten up romantic compositions.

Its height and architecture will create relief and structure in the garden and despite its large size, it is robust and does not need to be staked. Lupins like moist, deep and acidic soils, and can be grown in full sun or light partial shade. Remember to cut the flower spikes for impressive cut flowers and to prevent the seeds from self-sowing.

Legumes' beneficial effects on the soil have been recognised since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans knew that they can regenerate depleted soils by fixing nitrogen from the air in their roots. A symbiosis with bacteria allows for an exchange of nutrients that benefits all parties. This knowledge led to the use of crop rotation. Some species are used for their qualities as green manure, while others are used for their emulsifying power, which can replace eggs in culinary preparations (people with allergies may be able to use lupin flour).