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Description
Lupinus Arbustus, commonly known as the Bush Lupine, is a beautiful shrub that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to California, USA, and can be found in areas with well-drained soils, such as coastal bluffs and dry hillsides. The Bush Lupine blooms in the spring and summer, producing spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lupinus |
Appearance
The Bush Lupine is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has a dense, bushy growth habit and can be pruned to maintain its shape. The leaves are green and palmately compound, with 5-9 leaflets that are 2-4 inches long. The flowers are arranged in spikes that can be up to 8 inches long, with each spike containing 20-40 flowers. The flowers are usually blue, purple, or white, and have a sweet fragrance.
Care Guide
The Bush Lupine is a hardy shrub that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for your Bush Lupine:- Water: The Bush Lupine prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: The Bush Lupine does not require fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.- Soil: The Bush Lupine prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. If your soil is heavy or clayey, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The Bush Lupine prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but may not bloom as profusely.- Hardiness Zones: The Bush Lupine is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Bush Lupine is relatively pest and disease-free, but here are some issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects can distort the leaves and cause stunted growth. Spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap to control them.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap to control them.- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Avoid overwatering and ensure your soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Habitat
The Bush Lupine is native to California, USA, and can be found in areas with well-drained soils, such as coastal bluffs and dry hillsides. It is well-suited to Mediterranean climates with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Bush Lupine be grown in containers?A: Yes, the Bush Lupine can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.Q: Is the Bush Lupine deer-resistant?A: Yes, the Bush Lupine is deer-resistant due to its bitter taste and toxic alkaloids.Q: How often should I prune my Bush Lupine?A: You can prune your Bush Lupine in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape. Prune back up to one-third of the plant’s height.Q: How do I propagate my Bush Lupine?A: You can propagate the Bush Lupine by collecting and planting its seeds in the fall or by taking softwood cuttings in the spring.
Related Plants
– Lupinus Albifrons (Silver Lupine)- Lupinus Laxiflorus (Canyon Lupine)- Lupinus Nana (Sky Lupine)- Lupinus Perennis (Sundial Lupine)
References
– “Lupinus arboreus.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=4625 (accessed November 3, 2021).- “Lupinus arboreus.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=luar3 (accessed November 3, 2021).- “Bush Lupine.” Sloat Garden Center. https://www.sloatgardens.com/plant/lupinus-arboreus/ (accessed November 3, 2021).
