Lupins

Lupin Plants FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Lupin Plants in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to plant Lupin Plants

Lupin plants are best planted in early spring or late autumn. In early spring, plant after the last frost when the soil is workable and temperatures are beginning to warm. For late autumn planting, choose a time when the soil is still warm but before the onset of frost, allowing the roots to establish before winter dormancy. Ensure the planting area receives full sun and has well-drained soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. By timing your planting correctly, you'll encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms from your lupin plants.

How to Plant Lupin Plants

To plant lupin plants, begin by selecting a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Prepare the soil by loosening it and incorporating organic matter if necessary. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of the lupin plants, spacing them about 30-45 cm apart. Gently remove the plants from their containers, carefully loosen the roots, and place each plant in a hole at the same level as it was previously growing. Backfill the holes with soil, lightly firming it around the plants, and water thoroughly to settle the soil. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the stems. Regular watering and occasional fertilisation will promote healthy growth, allowing your lupins to flourish and bloom beautifully in your garden.

How long do Lupin Plants take to grow

Lupin plants typically take about 1 to 2 years to reach their full height and produce mature blooms. In the first year after planting, lupins focus on establishing a strong root system and developing foliage. They usually begin to flower in their second year, depending on the variety and growing conditions. With proper care, including regular watering, mulching, and occasional feeding with balanced fertiliser, lupin plants can grow vigorously and provide stunning floral displays throughout the growing season.

Why Grow Lupin Plants?

Growing lupin plants offers several compelling reasons. Firstly, lupins are prized for their stunning, upright spikes of flowers in vibrant colours like blue, pink, purple, and white, adding visual interest and charm to any garden or landscape. They attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity. Lupins are also relatively low-maintenance once established, tolerant of poor soils, and resistant to deer and rabbit damage, making them ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens. Moreover, these hardy perennials thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas, providing flexibility in garden design. Whether as a focal point in borders, mass plantings, or mixed with other perennials, lupin plants offer enduring beauty and ease of cultivation, making them a favourite among gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

Where can you grow Lupin Plants?

Lupin plants can be grown in a variety of locations, provided they have the right growing conditions. They thrive in regions with cool to temperate climates and are well-suited for gardens in the UK, Europe, North America, and other similar regions. Lupins prefer locations with full sun to partial shade, though they tend to bloom more profusely in full sun. They require well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and they are tolerant of poor soil conditions once established. Lupins are commonly grown in garden borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows. They also make excellent cut flowers due to their tall, showy spikes and can be grown in containers, particularly dwarf varieties. Whether in formal or informal garden settings, lupin plants add colour, height, and wildlife appeal to landscapes, making them a versatile and attractive choice for gardeners.

Why Buy Lupin Plants from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Lupin Plants and other plants.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.