Russell Lupins – Growing Guide

Quick Facts

What are Russell Lupins?

Russell Lupins (Lupinus x polyphyllus) are clump-forming perennial plants grown for their tall, colourful flower spikes that bloom in late spring to early summer. They typically grow 1 to 1.5 metres tall and are widely used in cottage garden borders.

How do you grow Russell Lupins?

• Plant in full sun or light shade
• Use well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Sow seeds in early spring or start indoors in late winter
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers

When do Russell Lupins flower?

Russell Lupins flower from late spring to early summer, depending on climate and planting time.

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Plant Features

Growth Habit

• Clump-forming perennial
• Upright flower spikes reaching 11–1.51.5 metres
• Palmate foliage with soft green leaves

Flowering

• Flowers in late spring to early summer
• Dense spikes with pea-like flowers
• Colours include white, pink, blue, purple, yellow, and mixed tones

How to Grow Russell Lupins – Basic Care

A warm sunny position in a humus rich well drained soil is best.
Russell lupins can be grown from seed sown in early spring or from the tubers.

When to Plant Russell Lupins

• Sow seeds in early spring as temperatures begin to rise
• In cooler climates, seeds can also be started indoors in late winter
• Plant seedlings out in spring once frost risk has passed
• Division of established plants is best done in autumn or early spring

They are best in a humus rich moist soil and in warmer climates, protection from the hot afternoon sun is best.

Soil Preparation

Russell Lupins prefer a fertile, well-drained soil with good organic content.

• Improve soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting
• Ensure good drainage, as plants dislike waterlogged conditions
• Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal
• Avoid overly rich fertilisers, as excessive nutrients can reduce flowering

Position

• Full sun to light shade
• Protection from strong winds helps prevent damage to tall flower spikes
• In warmer regions, provide afternoon shade

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during growth and flowering
• Do not allow soil to dry out completely
• Avoid overwatering in poorly drained soils

Fertiliser

• Use a low-nitrogen fertiliser to encourage flowering
• Avoid excessive feeding, which promotes leaf growth over flowers

Mulching

• Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Russell lupins will self seed, so deadhead or collect seeds heads to prevent spreading. Seed can be collected from spent flower heads or tubers can be divided once established.

Growing Russell Lupins from Seed

Growing from seed is the most common method, although it requires some patience.

• Seeds sown in spring may take 66–1818 months to flower
• For earlier flowering, start seeds indoors in mid to late winter using a heated propagator
• Soaking or lightly scarifying seeds can improve germination

Transplanting Tips

• Lupins dislike root disturbance due to their deep taproot
• Use biodegradable pots to minimise transplant shock
• Plant out carefully without disturbing the root system

Growing from seed

If you plant Lupin seeds in spring they will take from 6 months to 18 months to flower.

For faster flowering try geminating the seeds in a heated propagating tray stating them mid winter. You can pot them up and then plant them out in spring.

Transplanting can be a problem, however if you use biodegradable pots so as not to disturb the root system this can be overcome.

Maintenance and Care

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooms and prevent self-seeding
• Allow some seed heads to mature if you wish to collect seed
• Divide mature clumps every few years to maintain vigour
• Stake taller plants in exposed positions

Common Problems

• Poor flowering: Often due to too much nitrogen or insufficient sunlight
• Root rot: Caused by poorly drained soil
• Transplant shock: Common if roots are disturbed
• Self-seeding: Can spread freely if seed heads are not removed

Landscaping Uses

• Ideal for cottage garden borders
• Adds height and structure to mixed perennial beds
• Works well planted in groups for colour impact
• Suitable for informal and naturalistic planting schemes

Russell Lupins are available for sale from the following nurseries

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Climate Zones and Suitability

Russell Lupins prefer cool to mild climates and perform best where summers are not excessively hot.

Australia

• Best suited to temperate and cool regions such as Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and cooler parts of NSW
• In warmer areas, provide afternoon shade and good moisture
• Struggle in tropical and arid inland climates

North America

• Thrive in USDA zones 44–88
• Perform well in cooler northern states and coastal regions
• May struggle in hot, humid southern zones

UK

• Well suited across most regions
• Ideal for cottage gardens and borders
• Reliable perennial in mild summers

Europe

• Best in central and northern regions with cooler summers
• In Mediterranean climates, plant in partial shade and maintain soil moisture