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Description
Lupinus Sericatus, also known as silky lupine or velvet lupine, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including rocky slopes, open woods, and meadows. The plant is characterized by its showy flowers, which come in hues of blue, purple, pink, and white. Lupinus Sericatus can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread up to 1.5 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Lupinus |
Appearance
Lupinus Sericatus is a stunning plant with a showy display of flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer. The flowers grow in tight clusters along the stem and are typically blue or purple, although they can also be pink or white. The plant has green leaves that are palmately divided into 5 to 9 leaflets. The leaves are soft and velvety to the touch, giving the plant its common name “velvet lupine.” Lupinus Sericatus can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread up to 1.5 feet wide.
Care Guide
Lupinus Sericatus is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: Lupinus Sericatus prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize Lupinus Sericatus with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and poor flowering.Soil: Lupinus Sericatus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0).Sunlight: Lupinus Sericatus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering.Hardiness Zones: Lupinus Sericatus is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lupinus Sericatus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering. If pest or disease problems do occur, treat them promptly with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Lupinus Sericatus is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including rocky slopes, open woods, and meadows. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is commonly found in the western United States, from California to Montana.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lupinus Sericatus be grown in containers?A: Yes, Lupinus Sericatus can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure that the container has drainage holes.Q: How often should Lupinus Sericatus be fertilized?A: Lupinus Sericatus should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and poor flowering.Q: Is Lupinus Sericatus deer resistant?A: Yes, Lupinus Sericatus is deer resistant.Q: How long do Lupinus Sericatus flowers last?A: Lupinus Sericatus flowers typically last for 2 to 3 weeks.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Lupinus Sericatus:
- Lupinus Arboreus
- Lupinus Perennis
- Lupinus Texensis
- Lupinus Laxiflorus
References
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Velvet lupine. UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County. https://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/The_Kitchen_Garden/Plant_Guide/Lupinus_sericatus_-_Velvet_lupine/
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plants profile for lupinus sericatus. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=luse3
- Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Lupinus sericatus. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=luse3
