Lupins are easy to grow plants, which once established are tolerant to various conditions and will flower the whole summer long. When you receive your plants you should move them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep them moist and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.

Position

A position in full sun is best for Lupins, although plants will tolerate some shade. Offer plants some shelter in the form of garden screening or hedging as plants will flower on tall flower spikes which may be damaged by strong winds. Plant supports and stakes will help to support heavy flowers and stop them from snapping.

Soil

Lupins will grow well on most soils but to get the best from your plants you should provide a rich and fertile soil with plenty of moisture. Ideally a deeply dug soil enriched with plenty of organic matter should be provided. To achieve this and provide the best conditions for your plants you can dig in plenty of well-rotted garden compost, manure or multi-purpose compost. At this point you may also wish to apply some general fertilizer , which will help plants to get off to a good start.

Care

Water plants well after planting to ensure they establish well. Apply a general fertilizer to the soil surrounding your plants at regular intervals throughout the growing season and a mulch of well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost in the spring each year will also help to encourage good growth, conserve water and keep roots moist throughout summer. Remove fading flowers by hand or with Ratcheting Pruners to encourage new blooms.

Top tip

Ensure your Lupins are planted in full sun as plants in less sunny positions may produce flower spikes that bend towards the light.