Lupinus polyphyllus Les Pages

The Lupin 'Les Pages' is a variety of lupin that has been around for a long time, and is appreciated both in bouquets and in large flower beds. Its tall inflorescences punctuate and structure the decor, attracting attention with their bright carmine red color. It is a robust, spectacular plant that produces numerous flower spikes in June-July and forms beautiful bushy clumps with deeply divided, bright green leaves. Russell lupins do not tolerate limestone, but they are perfectly hardy and thrive well in ordinary soil, even if it is clayey and heavy.

It is commonly believed that Russell lupins are hybrids obtained by cross-breeding Lupinus polyphyllus, a perennial plant native to North America, and Lupinus hartwegii, an annual Mexican species. The best of them were patiently selected in the 1930s by a gardener named George Russell, who was passionate about lupins. Since then, other enthusiasts have taken over and dedicated themselves to obtaining robust and floriferous varieties. 'Les Pages' is a herbaceous perennial plant whose lifespan generally does not exceed 4 or 5 years. Bushy and vigorous, it quickly forms clumps that are at least 1m (3ft) tall when in flower and 60cm (24in) wide. In late spring and early summer, in June-July, it displays lush spikes, sometimes reaching 50cm (20in) in length, with a slightly stiff but remarkably graphic appearance, densely filled with pea-like flowers measuring 1 to 3cm (0 to 1in) in a rich and deep red color. Note that the flowers are pleasantly fragrant. The lush and opulent bright green foliage is distinguished from that of other legumes by its palmate leaves, with a minimum of 5 leaflets radiating from the same petiole. The fruits resemble flat, silky pods, often flattened and narrowed between the seeds.

Hybrid lupins are plants with a very good hardiness, they spread without aggression, enrich the soil they inhabit, and are resistant to diseases. Their only weakness is their attractiveness to slugs and snails, which need to be protected against. Perfect for poor and light soils, but devoid of limestone, perennial lupins thrive willingly on fresh slopes and easily self-seed in suitable gardens, providing a profusion of often fragrant spikes in rainbow colors. Soften their slightly stiff silhouettes with plants with light foliage, such as fennel, or with rounded curves like roses and oriental poppies, in matching colors. They enjoy the company of foxgloves, grasses, and herbaceous peonies, forming beautiful low-maintenance flower beds.