Russell Lupine is a popular perennial flowering plant celebrated for its tall spires of colorful and vibrant blooms. Russell Lupines produce tall, stately spires of pea-like flowers in a wide range of colors, including shades of purple, blue, pink, red, yellow, and white. The flowers grow densely along the length of the spike and have a distinctively elegant appearance.
Product Information
- Botanic Name: Lupinus polyphyllus
- Application or Use: Ornamental, Garden Flower, Landscaping, Cut Flower
- Germination Time: 10 - 14 days, under optimal conditions
- Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
- Height: 2 feet
- Sunlight Requirements: 8+ hours, full sun for best results
- Advantages: Adapted to many soil types; showy blooms, excellent for landscaping; attracts pollinators.
- When to Plant: See instructions tab.
Product Information
These plants typically grow to heights of about 2 to 4 feet, forming tall and eye-catching spikes in the garden. Russell Lupines bloom in late spring to early summer, showcasing their vibrant and varied-colored flowers. The blooming period can vary depending on the climate and growing conditions.
The plant's foliage consists of palmate leaves, usually with five to eight leaflets, giving the plant a lush and textured appearance even when not in bloom. Russell Lupines thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. They're relatively adaptable but perform best in fertile, well-draining soil.
The colorful flowers of Russell Lupines attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them beneficial for pollinator gardens. Russell Lupines are popular in cottage gardens, borders, and naturalized areas due to their tall and colorful spikes of flowers. They are also used in cut flower arrangements.
These plants are generally low-maintenance. Regular deadheading after blooming can promote prolonged flowering, and dividing clumps every few years can help maintain vigor. Russell Lupines are treasured for their tall and elegant spikes of vibrant blooms, their diverse color range, and their ability to attract pollinators, making them a stunning addition to gardens and landscapes seeking a vertical accent and a burst of color.
*Product packaging may appear different than what is pictured.
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region:
Southeast
- Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and harden off before frost.
- Spring: A good time to plant wildflowers, especially annual species that flower quickly. Plant after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed to around 55°F, typically occurring within a month or so after the final frost of winter; this ensures the seeds can germinate properly without being affected by cold weather.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Southwest
- Fall: A good time to plant spring wildflowers in the desert Southwest. Fall's cooler temperatures and seasonal rains help seeds germinate. In the mountains, you can plant after spring frosts.
- Winter: In areas that get snow, winter seeding can give seeds an advantage in the spring.
- Spring: A popular time to plant wildflowers in most states. You can plant after the last frost and when the soil temperature is at least 55°F. In warmer climates, you can plant at the end of the rainy season.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Northeast
- Fall, Winter: The best time to plant wildflowers in the Northeast is in late fall, after the first frost but before heavy snow. This is known as dormant seeding and can take place from November to December. Cold temperatures and damp soil during the winter help wildflower seeds germinate.
- Spring: Plant in early spring, after the ground has thawed and soil temperatures reach around 55-65°F. This is a popular time to plant wildflowers because it's typically rainier, which helps water seedlings.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Midwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Western
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Pacific Northwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: In cooler zones with higher elevation, you can plant wildflowers in late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed. You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Russell Lupine Wildflower Seed
Russell Lupine is a popular perennial flowering plant celebrated for its tall spires of colorful and vibrant blooms. Russell Lupines produce tall, stately spires of pea-like flowers in a wide range of colors, including shades of purple, blue, pink, red, yellow, and white. The flowers grow densely along the length of the spike and have a distinctively elegant appearance.
Instructions
For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region: Southeast Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and...Russell Lupine Wildflower Seed
Russell Lupine is a popular perennial flowering plant celebrated for its tall spires of colorful and vibrant blooms. Russell Lupines produce tall, stately spires of pea-like flowers in a wide range of colors, including shades of purple, blue, pink, red, yellow, and white. The flowers grow densely along the length of the spike and have a distinctively elegant appearance.