Lupine – Russell Mix

The Russell Lupine (Russell Hybrids) is a spectacular garden favorite, producing tall, upright spikes of vibrant flowers in a dazzling mix of colors — including blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, and white. Rising above rich, palm-shaped green foliage, these eye-catching blooms create a dramatic vertical accent in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and meadow-style plantings. Flowering from late spring into early summer, they make excellent cut flowers and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees with their nectar-rich blossoms.

Originally developed in England by plant breeder George Russell in the early 1900s, the Russell Hybrids were created from the western North American species Lupinus polyphyllus. His goal was to produce hardier, more colorful garden lupines — and the result was this remarkable hybrid strain now loved by gardeners worldwide. While not native to North America, Russell Lupines remain highly valued ornamentals for their striking form, diverse hues, and pollinator appeal.

These lupines grow best in full sun and moist, well-drained soils, although they tolerate partial shade in warmer regions. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil and appreciate cooler conditions at the root zone — mulching helps preserve moisture and moderate temperature. Because lupines form deep taproots, they dislike being disturbed, so direct sowing where they are to grow is recommended. Scarifying or soaking seeds overnight before planting can help soften the hard seed coat and promote faster germination.

Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering season and encourage tidy growth. In favorable conditions, Russell Lupine may lightly reseed, naturalizing beautifully over time. Although technically perennial, these hybrids are often short-lived (two to five years) but will reward you with a brilliant display of color each spring and early summer.

Planting Tip: Choose a sunny, well-drained site and sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or fall. Avoid transplanting established plants to protect their long taproots. Water regularly during establishment and enjoy a garden filled with tall, colorful spires that bring vibrant life and pollinator activity to your landscape year after year.

*Most perennials will not bloom the first year they are planted.  They establish a plant the first year and then bloom the second and every year after that.  Annuals will give you color the first year you plant them and then can reseed themselves if they like where they are growing.   This is why perennials tend to be more expensive.  It takes twice as long to get seed off of the plant than an annual when initially planting.

SPECIAL NOTE: Please check with your state Department of Agriculture before planting any lupine seeds to make sure they are not a species that is considered invasive or prohibited to your state. This particular species is Lupinus polyphyllus- Russell Lupine Mix. It has been known to be a problematic species more on the east coast of the US. If you think they are becoming a problem in your area cut them before they set seed and destroy the material before they can seed more plants in the future.

**For larger quantities than listed for sale please contact us for availability and pricing.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 70 – 87.5 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 35 pounds per acre.