Tall Russell Lupine
Item Details
Well-balanced mixture of lupines with a full color range. Perennial lupines are found growing wild from California to British Columbia. Steady improvements of the wild strains have been in progress by breeders for centuries. A great example of how flower breeders have taken a native species and selected for many different color combinations. Short-lived perennial, 3-4' tall.
Confirm the varieties in this mix are safe for your state/region by visiting the USDA National Invasive Species Information Center
Aquatic Plants or Terrestrial Plants
- Conventional
- Short-lived perennial
- Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall
- Flowers in reds, purples, yellows, pinks, and salmons
- Great for borders, ornamental plantings, and cut flowers
Growing Instructions
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors 1/8" deep. Transplant outdoors after last frost. Can also be sown outdoors in early spring when soil is cool and a light frost is still possible, or in early autumn where winters are mild.
- Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Germination: 14-21 Days
- Plant Outdoors: 24-36” Apart
- Light: Sun/Partial Shade
Ratings & Reviews
4 reviews
No Flowers
by Colorado Gardener
I grew these in a very large pot. They were very healthy plants all summer long, but they never produced any flowers. I used brand new potting soil in my 30" diameter pot so the potting soil was not the issue. Maybe these would do better in the ground.... try at your own risk as you might have better luck than I did.
Seed Savers Response: Lupines can be tricky. Too much sun and they will not flower. Too little sun and they will not flower. They seem to be the Goldilocks of flowers. Everything needs to be just right.
Great perennial, blooms early
by Plantvandal
We have grown these beauties every year for a while now. I find them pretty easy to grow, though they need some time to develop. Our plants grew steadily for three years with the flower getting taller and fuller every year. We grow them in the ground, but perennials take a bit of time to get established. They were the highlight of our early spring garden last year - they were 3.5 feet tall!
Pretty but an invasive species
by Mimi
I planted these last year, plants were healthy & attractive but didn't flower. They've come back this spring looking even better. However, I've since read that this species is considered invasive in my state (MN) and others.I'm surprised Seed Savers is selling these without noting it's status as an invasive outside of the Western US.
Seed Savers Response: Hi Mimi, we have updated the product information page with instructions to confirm the varieties in this mix are safe for your state/region by visiting the USDA National Invasive Species Information Center.
Not a good flower for the midwest.
by Rubina
We were so excited about these. They grew great from seed, etc. However, we live in central Wisconsin and found out that these are NOT native. Even worse they will cross pollinate with the native small leaf lupine which makes the offspring inedible to Karner Blue caterpillars. I am no expert by any means and this is just the beginning of our flower growing journey. I just didn't know and wish I had the forethought to research it.
I just want to make sure other midwesterners consider before purchasing. :)