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Lupinus argenteus (Silvery Lupine)

Silvery Lupine, Silver-Stem Lupine

Lupinus argenteus, Silvery Lupine, Silver-Stem Lupine, Blue Flowers, Blue Perennial, Blue Wildflowers
Lupinus argenteus, Silvery Lupine, Silver-Stem Lupine, Blue Flowers, Blue Perennial, Blue Wildflowers

Native to the Southwest, Sierra Nevada, and the Rocky Mountains, Lupinus argenteus (Silvery Lupine) is a fast-growing perennial boasting silvery-green palmate leaves and showy spikes up to 8 in. long (20 cm) of blue to violet, pea-shaped flowers. Blooming in early to midsummer, they are borne atop silvery-haired stems just above the foliage. They are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and many pollinators. The blossoms are followed by hairy legume pods containing several beanlike seeds. Blanketing desert flats, mountain slopes, and meadows across the Southwest, Silvery Lupine looks breathtaking when planted in mass.

  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 1 ft. wide (30 cm). Will spread quickly to form colonies.
  • Thrives in full sun in sandy or rocky, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
  • An excellent choice for informal gardens, prairies and meadows.
  • Propagate by seed sown in fall.
  • Seeds can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
  • Difficult to transplant because of its long roots.
  • Native to much of western North America from the southwestern Canadian provinces to the southwestern and midwestern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Lupinus
Common names Lupine
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Midwest, California, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Lupinus nanus (Sky Lupine)
Lupinus arboreus (Tree Lupine)
Lupinus succulentus (Arroyo Lupine)
Lupinus bicolor (Miniature Lupine)
Lupinus latifolius (Broadleaf Lupine)
Lupinus rivularis (Riverbank Lupine)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Lupinus
Common names Lupine
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Midwest, California, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lupinus (Lupine)
Guides with
Lupinus (Lupine)
Not sure which Lupinus (Lupine) to pick?
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