Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a perennial wildflower hardy in zones 3-8 and native to Eastern North America.
The Sundial Lupine produces stunning blue-purple flower clusters that resemble peas and bloom profusely from May to July. The blooms are quite fragrant, while the leaves have little to no scent. This plant provides both nectar and pollen, making it an excellent choice for cut flowers.
The Sundial Lupine attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, serving as the host plant for the Karner Blue Butterfly, a native to the Great Lakes region. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and reaches a mature height of 24 inches with a spread of 18 inches.
This plant prefers well-drained sandy soil, loam, or gravel and enhances soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, increasing overall soil health.
The leaves are palmately shaped and divided into 5 to 11 leaflets, each about 2 inches in length and arranged alternately. Birds and small mammals consume the seeds, and when ripe, the seed pods burst, aiding in their dispersal. The fruit is encapsulated in a hairy pod. Due to its taproot, transplanting this plant can be challenging. Companion plants include columbine, bleeding heart, yarrow, and little bluestem.
The Sundial Lupine is rarely browsed by deer and is resistant to rabbits. However, it is important to note that the plant is highly toxic.
In 1781, lupines were moved from one region to another to improve poor soil conditions.
Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a perennial wildflower hardy in zones 3-8 and native to Eastern North America.
The Sundial Lupine produces stunning blue-purple flower clusters that resemble peas and bloom profusely from May to July. The blooms are quite fragrant, while the leaves have little to no scent. This plant provides both nectar and pollen, making it an excellent choice for cut flowers.
The Sundial Lupine attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, serving as the host plant for the Karner Blue Butterfly, a native to the Great Lakes region. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and reaches a mature height of 24 inches with a spread of 18 inches.
This plant prefers well-drained sandy soil, loam, or gravel and enhances soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, increasing overall soil health.
The leaves are palmately shaped and divided into 5 to 11 leaflets, each about 2 inches in length and arranged alternately. Birds and small mammals consume the seeds, and when ripe, the seed pods burst, aiding in their dispersal. The fruit is encapsulated in a hairy pod. Due to its taproot, transplanting this plant can be challenging. Companion plants include columbine, bleeding heart, yarrow, and little bluestem.
The Sundial Lupine is rarely browsed by deer and is resistant to rabbits. However, it is important to note that the plant is highly toxic.
In 1781, lupines were moved from one region to another to improve poor soil conditions.