Lupins Lupinus a dozen or so years ago were one of the most popular ornamental plants grown in allotment and home gardens. Currently, the market of ornamental plants is dominated by new species and varieties that are fashionable in other European countries.
Lupins for fodder
There are nearly 200 species within the genus Lupinus. European species have large seeds and come from the Mediterranean region. Three species of lupins are of agricultural importance as feed crops. These arelupine yellowL. luteus, white lupine L. albus and narrow-leaved lupine L.angustifolius. The next two species of lupins: L. polyphyllus and Andean lupine L. mutabilis grow wild in abandoned allotments, in neglected rural buildings, in cemeteries, at railway stations and in other such places.
Lupins for ornamental garden
Lupinsare perennials reaching a height of 60-120 cm. Their main advantage is the flowers gathered in long clusters. White lupins have white flowers with a blue tint, yellow lupins - yellow, and narrow-leaved lupins - pink, blue, white or purple. Despite the agricultural purpose of these species, they can be grown in the garden as ornamental plants. Persistent lupine is a typically ornamental species. In this case, depending on the variety, the flowers are characterized by the entire color palette, except forblackandgreenThe most beautiful arepinkflowers ,apricotired A bed of blooming lupins is an unforgettable sight and its originality delights every garden lover.
When do lupins bloom?
Lupins bloom inJuneand in the first halfJuly During warm autumn, if faded inflorescences are removed earlier, they bloom again. These plants are suitable for creating various speciesrabat perennial , where they can be combined with other plants. Lupins in their nests on the lawn give an unusual decorative effect. Flowers can be cut and placed in vases. It is best to cut the flowers when at least half of the flowers in the cluster are fully developed. The most sought-after varieties of persistent lupine are: 'Hartwega', 'Lulu', 'Russel', 'Downer' and 'Ruys'.The ability to symbiosis with nodule bacteria, and thus the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, speaks in favor of lupins, which are eagerly grown in gardens and allotments.
Requirements Soil Lupineare very low and these plants can grow even in very poor, sandy soils. Due to their ability to fix nitrogen, lupins have a positive effect on the growth of neighboring plants. Lupins require light for proper growth and flowering, so they should be sown in a sunny position.
Lupine reproduction
Lupinsare reproduced from seeds that are sown on the seedbed in early May, with a spacing of 20 x 20 cm. 2-3 seeds every 15 cm are placed in the rows. About 3-4 grams of seeds are needed to sow 1 square meter. The following year, in spring, the plants are transplanted permanently, with a spacing of 30 x 30 cm. Lupine flowers after 8 to 10 weeks fromsowingorplantingThese plants are highly winter hardy, but can sometimes freeze in heavy soils andbasins , mainly in the absence of snow cover and at very low temperatures.The most important care procedures include removing faded inflorescences in order to prevent seeds from ripening.
If we neglect this activity, the seeds that fall on the soil will result in the appearance of new lupine seedlings in the bed in the following year. Zrebates lupinsneed to be removedweedsreaching forherbicides , remember that lupins are dicotyledonous plants, and therefore sensitive to herbicides intended for dicotyledons. So it is better if we remove the weeds by hand. Diseases and pests will not be a problem if the seeds are treated before sowing. Lupins are worth recommending for cultivation in perennial beds, because they bloom beautifully in various color tones. They do not have high soil requirements and are very useful for other plants growing in our garden.
