Large-leaved Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus
Also known as Garden Lupine, Garden Lupin, Bigleaf Lupine
Climate Match for your location
See how well Large-leaved Lupine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A robust perennial lupine with large compound leaves and tall spires of colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. It thrives in cool climates and makes a striking accent in borders and cottage gardens.
Why grow it
Large-leaved lupine produces taller flower spikes than many alpine lupine species and tolerates slightly warmer and more moisture-retentive soils than its high-elevation relatives, making it more adaptable to lowland gardens in cool regions. Its large, deeply lobed foliage creates substantial visual presence even when not in bloom, distinguishing it from finer-textured perennials. The extended flowering period and range of color forms offer reliable mid-border height and structure for mixed plantings.
Watch out for
Flowering can be erratic or sparse in areas with warm nights or high humidity, and plants often decline after the second or third season without division or deadheading to prevent excessive self-seeding. Foliage can develop powdery mildew in poorly ventilated sites, particularly where air circulation is limited by crowding or overhead watering.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
Native to: California, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A robust perennial lupine with large compound leaves and tall spires of colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. It thrives in cool climates and makes a striking accent in borders and cottage gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Large-leaved Lupine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Large-leaved lupine produces taller flower spikes than many alpine lupine species and tolerates slightly warmer and more moisture-retentive soils than its high-elevation relatives, making it more adaptable to lowland gardens in cool regions. Its large, deeply lobed foliage creates substantial visual presence even when not in bloom, distinguishing it from finer-textured perennials. The extended flowering period and range of color forms offer reliable mid-border height and structure for mixed plantings.
Watch out for
Flowering can be erratic or sparse in areas with warm nights or high humidity, and plants often decline after the second or third season without division or deadheading to prevent excessive self-seeding. Foliage can develop powdery mildew in poorly ventilated sites, particularly where air circulation is limited by crowding or overhead watering.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
Native to: California, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.