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Thermopsis chinensis

Thermopsis chinensis
Chinese False Lupin

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Related to lupins and baptisias, this perennial is a lovely bushy plant with long spring flowering, without any problems or pretensions. Its slightly glaucous green foliage is adorned with numerous spikes of light yellow, very bright pea-like flowers. Hardy, undemanding and water-saving, this thermopsis deserves to be discovered and planted in our gardens. It will be perfect in a large border or a wildflower bed.
Flower size
15 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, September
Recommended planting time February to April, August to October
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Flowering time May to July
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Description

Thermopsis chinensis is an original perennial of the large family of lupins, still little known and planted in gardens despite its many qualities. More floriferous than baptisia, and less rigid than lupin, this durable and undemanding Asian plant is also even easier to succeed in any garden soil that is not too poor. On a clump of glaucous and silvery trifoliate foliage, anthracite grey floral stems bearing slightly loose clusters shine with light yellow pea flowers during a long period, from spring to early summer. Plant this thermopsis in full sun, in the company of blue or white flowers; success is guaranteed!

 

Thermopsis chinensis, sometimes called Chinese False Lupin, is a herbaceous and rhizomatous perennial plant of the Fabaceae family. It is native to central and eastern China, and its natural habitat includes grassy slopes, open forests, but also riverbanks. In the garden, it is a tolerant and easy-to-care-for plant as long as it has sun or light shade and the soil is not too wet. Its deciduous foliage disappears in winter.

 

This Thermopsis forms a bushy clump reaching an average of 60cm (24in) in all directions within a few years. Flowering begins in May, sometimes as early as April depending on the climate, and continues for at least 2 months, until June-July. Above a bunch of leafy stems appear spikes of 20-25cm (8-10in), whose main stem is hairy and dark grey. It is adorned with very pretty dark grey-violet buds, which open into butterfly-like flowers in two shades of yellow. On the same spike, dark stems, prune-coloured buds, and soft yellow and sweet lemon-yellow flowers coexist, creating a very elegant display. After pollination by insects, the flowers give way to pods containing seeds that germinate easily when fresh. The foliage, which disappears in winter, is also very ornamental. It is composed of leaves that are slightly tinged with blue and grey, divided into three rounded leaflets, resembling those of alfalfa or clover. This perennial plant is capable of living for many years in the garden without any particular care once well established.

 

Thermopsis are close relatives of lupins and baptisias, which are much better known, but they are more floriferous than baptisias, less rigid in their posture, and much less demanding in terms of soil than lupins. They have very robust roots that allow them to live as long as shrubs in our gardens. They just need time to settle. The golden lupin will find its place in a natural and countryside border. It is superb in the company of white, orange, or blue flowers, allowing for numerous combinations according to the tastes of each gardener. For example, it can be combined with 'Ballerina' tulips or 'Orange Bouquet' tulips, both orange flowers. It also pairs well with herbaceous salvias such as 'Mainacht', 'Nepeta Six Hills Giant', or with a 'Pocahontas' penstemon.

Thermopsis chinensis in pictures

Thermopsis chinensis (Flowering) Flowering
Thermopsis chinensis (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time May to July
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 15 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Thermopsis

Species

chinensis

Family

Fabaceae

Other common names

Chinese False Lupin

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference863911

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Planting and care

The cultivation of Thermopsis chinensis presents no particular difficulty, it is a very hardy and undemanding plant with regards to the soil if it is sufficiently rich. Mix compost with the soil in your garden.

In the first year of cultivation, the plant may appear to be vegetating, this is normal, its root system spreads deeply into the soil. Add a small handful of phosphate fertilizer (it is a root stimulant) which you will mix with the soil at the time of planting. Add 1/3 sand and 1/3 gravel to heavy soil to ensure good drainage. Water regularly to promote growth, as well as during the first two summers if the soil is very dry. In the third year, the plant will be established, will not require any special care, and will be able to flower profusely for many years!

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Planting period

Best planting time March, September
Recommended planting time February to April, August to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, light and deep, well-draining

Care

Pruning instructions Remove the stems at ground level at the end of winter.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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