This spectacle cannot be overlooked. Large slender inflorescences rise high above the finger leaves since May. Lupine has been present in rural gardens for a long time, accompanied by peonies, poppies and flames.However, apart from the traditional rustic garden, it does not lose any of its beauty and can wonderfully decorate a perennial bed in any garden.Many varieties of lupine appeared in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. They were created by crossing the American perennial lupine Lupinus polyphyllus with other annual and perennial species.
Forms bred by the English gardener George Russell are very popular to this day.The Schloss series includes, for example, the 'Fräulein', 'Kronleuchter' and 'Edelknabe' varieties. They grow to a height of 80-100 cm and for many weeks they delight with strong, but also delicate shades of colors. The dwarf varieties from the Gallery series are clearly lower.They are 50-60 cm high and are perfect for growing in containers.In addition to these long-valued perennials, new varieties are recommended. Also bred in England, they form the West Country series.
Many of them are lush plants with strong stems, on which two or even multi-colored flowers develop. That is why they are real gems in the perennial bed. However, even the extravagant varieties, such as 'Masterpiece' and 'Salmon Star', are best accompanied by more modest plants, such as geraniums or algae, which will not overshadow the wonderful beauty of lupins.Beautiful perennials do not require special care.They like sunny beds with deep, permeable soil and rather low in calcium.
In a place sheltered from the wind, plants are not threatened with the breaking of magnificent flower shoots.Removing wilting inflorescences very often prompts plants to sprout new shoots, which will be covered with flowers in August.If we plant more lupins in the garden, we can cut a few flower shoots into a bottle without fear.
Lupine from own seeds
After flowering, pods are formed on the lupine shoots. Initially green, they turn brown during maturation. Each fruit contains up to a dozen round seeds.If we want to sow them, do not miss the optimal harvesting moment.Ripe pods open by themselves and spread their contents quite far.
It should be remembered that the plants growing from seeds often have flowers of a completely different color than the mother plantHowever, if we intend to grow lupins ourselves from the beginning, we start growing in the spring. Seeds are placed in small multiplication pots filled with soil that is not very fertile. Young he althy plants are planted in the flowerbed in May. They must be strictly protected against snails. Good quality seeds of perennial and annual varieties can be purchased in garden stores.
Unique varieties of lupine
1. The changing light also changes the shades of the colors on the flowerbed. Here, mysteriously shine dark lupine inflorescences of 'Masterpiece' surrounded by buds and ferns.
2. The multicolored variety of 'Towering Inferno' delights with orange-red flowers with a yellow sail. The flowers still undeveloped are dark pink in color.
3. After rain, water collects in the center of the round, feathery lupine leaves.
4. The perennial is mainly pollinated by bumblebees. The insect sits on the so-called flower boat, weighs it down, which causes the appearance of pollen stamens.
5. 'Salmon Star' boasts magnificent grape inflorescences in shades of red and yellow. The variety reaches a height of up to 1 m.
6. Lupins are among the classic ornamental plants of a country garden. The large, luxuriant clumps of perennials make a great impression.
