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Description
Lupinus Hillii, also known as Hill’s lupine, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. Native to the western United States, this plant is known for its showy spikes of blue to purple flowers that bloom in the late spring to early summer. The plant can grow up to 60 centimeters in height and has a deep taproot that can extend up to 2 meters underground.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lupinus |
Appearance
Lupinus Hillii has a bushy growth habit and bears palmate leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets. The leaves are bright green in color and can be up to 15 centimeters long. The flowers of the plant are borne on upright spikes that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. The flowers are pea-like in shape and are blue to purple in color. The plant also produces seedpods that are hairy and can be up to 7 centimeters long.
Care Guide
To take care of Lupinus Hillii, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is also important to water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. During the growing season, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lupinus Hillii is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. It is also prone to aphid infestations. To prevent these problems, make sure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering. If the plant does become infected, treat it with a fungicide or insecticide as appropriate.
Habitat
Lupinus Hillii is native to the western United States and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lupinus Hillii a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s showy flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Lupinus Hillii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Q: How often should Lupinus Hillii be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How should Lupinus Hillii be pruned?
A: Deadhead the plant regularly to encourage more blooms. Cut back the plant to the ground in the fall after it has finished blooming.
Related Plants
- Lupinus albicaulis
- Lupinus argenteus
- Lupinus latifolius
- Lupinus lepidus
References
- “Lupinus Hillii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b660
- “Lupinus Hillii.” Plant Database. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lupinus+hillii
- “Lupinus Hillii.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LUHI4
