Lupins embellish the early-summer border with striking, rocket-like spikes.

Click here to visit our beautiful lupins gallery.

TYPES OF LUPINS
Lupins number around 200 species. All have spires of flowers in shades from white to crimson and some are bicoloured. The perennial Lupinus polyphyllus has produced a wide range of hybrids, such as yellow 'Chandelier'. Popular annuals are hybrids of species such as L. hartwegii, while L. arboreus (tree lupin) is a delightful shrub for a seaside garden.

HOW TO GROW LUPINS
Lupins prefer a lime-free, well drained soil that is not too heavy and a site that is in sun or partial shade. Annuals can be sown from seed in situ in spring to flower the same summer, whereas hardy herbaceous perennials can be set out in early autumn or spring for summer flowering. Perennials can be propagated by taking basal cuttings or dividing in spring.

WHERE TO BUY LUPINS
• West Country Nurseries (incorporating West Country Lupins), Donkey Meadow, Woolsery, Devon EX39 5QH.
• Plant World, St Marychurch Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4SE.

Want to see more? Visit our beautiful lupins gallery.

WORDS AND STYLING JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT
MAY 2004