Lupinus
By Andrea Peck UCCE Master Gardener
Common name of plant: Staircase Lupine
Scientific name: Lupinus
Planting area: Perennial in USDA zones 4-8
Size: 18”-24” Tall and Wide
Bloom Season: Spring through summer
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Pruning needs: Prune to promote foliage and flowering.
Water needs: Water regularly and deeply.
Snapshot:
With deep green foliage and bold-hued flowers, the beautiful lupine adds color and interest to any garden. Spectacular flowers grow upwards in tight cone-shaped spires, while striking shades entice the eyes and keep your attention. One caveat before purchasing is to know your microclimate. Lupine are notoriously picky when it comes to temperature. Known to thrive in cool summer environments, they have a reputation for pouting with resentment and refusing to flower when sunny gives way to sweaty. One way to hedge your bets is to choose the ‘Staircase' varietal. This type handles warmer weather without falling into dramatic fainting episodes---and it produces ample blooms to boot.
Planting your lupine requires some thought. Keeping in mind the element of ''coolness,'' it's best to find a spot that gets about six hours of sun. A northeast location is a good place to start and placement with access to partial shade is a bonus. Lupine prefers rich, moist, and slightly acidic soil that drains well. A good dose of mulch will keep in moisture and provide a temperature buffer. Lupine makes a nice cut flower and trimming blooms helps promote flowering and growth.
Lupine is part of the pea family and as such is a nitrogen fixer, which will increase soil fertility, and benefit nearby plants. Lupine are particularly susceptible to snails and slugs---with wild abandon, these two slimeballs have the capacity to absolutely decimate your lupine. Keep them at bay or your new favorite plant may go from 'now you see it' to 'now you don't' in the blink of an eye. Lupine self-sows, so if you've found a safe harbor for your plant, forget about deadheading, and let the seeds fall where they may.
Our Advice to Grow By Workshops are back!!!
Our next workshop will be January 21st, 2023, at 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. in our Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden at 2154 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. The topic will be “Fruit Trees: How Winter Care Can Aid Warm Weather Success”.
Learn why the winter season is so important to the development of deciduous fruit trees. You'll learn how to select and plant bare root trees, how to arm yourself for dealing with pests and disease, and how winter is an important time to perform maintenance on mature trees along with a pruning demonstration. There will also be a discussion of winter care of citrus trees. This workshop will be held in our garden so please be prepared for the weather outside. Inclement weather will cancel the workshop.
Other ways to see or reach us:
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
Our physical offices are now open!!!!!
Covid may still affect staffing levels, so it is best to call before heading to your local Helpline office:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)