Many Lupinus species are particularly attractive to long-tongued bumble bees.

 

Native Regions

Most of North America, excluding the U.S. states of Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas, and the Canadian province of Manitoba

 

Availability

Many species, both annual and perennial, are routinely available and can be grown in most parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Many species are drought-tolerant, and occur naturally in a variety of settings, from rocky prairies and open pine woods to coastal dunes and stream beds. Most lupines tend to favor rocky or sandy, well-drained soils.

 

Duration

Annual and perennial, depending upon species

 

Bloom Time

Spring to early summer

 

Average Height

Ranges from 1 to 5 feet, depending on species, with 4 to 6-inch flower spikes

 

Flower Color

Blue
Purple
Pink
White
Yellow

 

Exposure

Full sun to partial shade, depending upon species

 

Water Requirements

Low to average, depending upon species

 

Recommended Species

Commercially available perennial species include:

 

Lupinus argenteus (silvery lupine), which is drought-tolerant and native to the western U.S. and Canada.

 

Lupinus perennis (sundial lupine), is native to the Eastern part of the U.S. and Canada, and grows naturally in sand hills or clearings and open woods.

 

A routinely available annual species is Lupinus arboreus (silver lupine), native to the California Coast Ranges, growing in grassy flats below 2000 ft. It is very adaptable, but prefers dry, well-drained soil.