lupine flower from seed Russell Lupine Seed Mix, Lupinus polyphyllus

lupine flower from seed Russell Lupine Seed Mix, Lupinus polyphyllusRussell Lupines are the award winning hybrids from the labors of a British horticulturist, George Russell. He worked with breeding Lupinus polyphyllus for over two decades. When he displayed his spectacularly colorful results in 1937, all kinds of acclaim and awards were showered on them. He had modified the usually blue wildflower into a multicolored group of solid color and bi color blooms. Ever since, the Russell hybrid Lupines have been the basic

Russell Lupines are the award-winning hybrids from the labors of a British horticulturist, George Russell. He worked with breeding Lupinus polyphyllus for over two decades. When he displayed his spectacularly colorful results in 1937, all kinds of acclaim and awards were showered on them. He had modified the usually-blue wildflower into a multicolored group of solid color and bi-color blooms. Ever since, the Russell hybrid Lupines have been the basic group from which many new hybrids are created.

The native species, Lupinus polyphyllus, also called Bigleaf Lupine, is native to western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta, south to California and east to Montana, Idaho, and Nevada. They can be found along streams and creeks, in meadows, forests openings, and coastal areas. They prefer cooler climates and moist soil but will tolerate full sun and occasional dry soil. They are deep rooted and can be used for erosion control.

Lupinus polyphyllus and Russel hybrid Lupines may be problematic in Eastern North America; if not properly managed, they may grow aggressively in some regions or habitats, displace desirable vegetation, and hybridize with the Eastern-and-Midwestern-US native L. perennis. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, state natural resource, or state agriculture department regarding its status and use.

Why We Love Lupines

• Thanks to their stunning flower spikes, Lupines have been cherished for centuries, adding a vibrant touch to formal gardens, cottage gardens, naturalistic gardens, and wildflower meadows alike.
• As a plant in the legume family, Lupines are nitrogen fixers, making the nutrient more available to surrounding plants.
• Lupines grow well alongside grasses and other wildflowers, creating a beautiful tapestry of colors and textures.
• In gardens, they make excellent companions to plants like Irises, Daisies, Peonies, and Coneflowers, which complement their striking blooms and lush foliage.
• There are numerous Lupine species with native ranges across the United States, each bringing its own charm to meadows and landscapes.