Lupinus polyphyllus Noblemaiden

The Lupinus 'Noblemaiden', also known as Lupinus (x) polyphyllus The Maiden, is a classic in English gardens and large flower beds. Its tall spikes mix creamy buds and white flowers, emitting a sweet peppery fragrance, bringing verticality and a beautiful touch of light to any setting. This perennial plant forms superb clumps of deeply divided, vibrant green leaves that spread without aggression. Its flowers last 5 to 7 days in a vase. The lupin is not demanding, but prefers a deep, fresh, slightly acidic and sandy soil, and will bloom best in full sun. 

It is commonly believed that Russell 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, a lupin enthusiast. This old variety Russell Hybrids 'Noble Maiden' is still widely planted in gardens. It is a vigorous herbaceous perennial, forming clumps that reach 80-90 cm (32-35in) in flower height and 60 cm (24in) in width within a few months. In late spring and early summer, from May to July, it displays spikes that are 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24in) long, a bit stiff, but very graphic, densely filled with creamy-colored buds that open into small white pea-like flowers, slightly fragrant and 2 cm (1in) long. The vibrant and lush green foliage stands out from other legumes with its palmate leaves, consisting of at least 5 leaflets radiating from a single petiole. This foliage is mainly composed of basal leaves, often slightly hairy on the underside. The growth of the lupine is deciduous; it disappears in winter and regenerates in spring. 

Perfect for difficult, clayey or light soils, but without limestone, perennial lupins readily self-seed in gardens that suit them, providing a profusion of often fragrant spikes in rainbow colors. Soften their somewhat stiff silhouettes with plants that have rounded curves, such as roses or Oriental poppies, in matching colors. They blend beautifully with hollyhocks, wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris), and peonies, creating beautiful low-maintenance flower beds. In natural areas, associate them with sainfoin, alfalfa, vetches, and grasses.