Perennial Lupine

Perennial Lupine, also known as Lupinus perennis, is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in a wide range of environments, from dry meadows to moist woodlands. 

Perennial Lupine has beautiful purple-blue flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Perennial Lupine has several benefits, including:

  1. Nitrogen fixation: Like other legumes, Perennial Lupine has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This makes it a valuable crop rotation plant and an excellent choice for improving soil fertility.
  2. Pollinator attractant: The showy flowers of Perennial Lupine attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an important part of any pollinator garden.
  3. Wildlife habitat: Perennial Lupine provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, deer, and birds.

To grow Perennial Lupine, you will need the following materials:

  • Perennial Lupine seeds
  • Well-draining soil
  • Compost or other organic matter
  • Garden rake
  • Watering can or hose

To grow Perennial Lupine:

  1. Lupine seeds must be prepped for germination by either soaking them in warm water for 24 hours, scarifying them with the rough side of an Emory board, or subjecting them to one week of cold stratification. We recommend scarification followed by cold stratification. For cold stratification, put moist sand or dirt into a sealed baggie, and refrigerate for seven days.
  2. Choose a location: Perennial Lupine prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and has soil that is not prone to waterlogging.
  3. Prepare the soil: Use a garden rake to loosen the soil to a depth of about six inches. Mix in compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
  4. Plant the seeds: Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep and one inch apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water thoroughly.
  5. Water regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate, which should take about two to three weeks. After that, water the plants deeply once a week or as needed.
  6. Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about four inches, thin them out to about eight to ten inches apart to give them room to grow.
  7. Mulch: Mulch around the plants with a layer of organic matter to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Some of the health and herbal benefits of Perennial Lupine include:

  1. Traditional medicine: Perennial Lupine has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a diuretic, a sedative, and a treatment for respiratory ailments.
  2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Perennial Lupine contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful for reducing inflammation in the body.
  3. Antioxidant properties: Perennial Lupine contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
  4. Skin health: The seeds of Perennial Lupine contain a high percentage of oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids that are important for maintaining healthy skin.

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