Lupinus Band Of Nobles - Perennial Russell Lupin Seeds

'Bands of Nobles Mixed' is a flamboyant selection of perennial Russel lupins. These brightly coloured classics are tried and tested, flowering profusely over a long period of time. Perfect for cottage gardens and cutting! Easy to grow in deep, cool, light soil in a sunny position.

The lupin is a genus that encompasses 200 to 1000 species, native to the American continent. They are either annual or perennial, herbaceous or woody-based. Lupins are often grown as a food source throughout the world. This does not apply to ornamental varieties however, as most contain high levels of alkaloids in their seeds and are highly toxic. During the 1930s, George Russell was the first to cross-pollinate Lupinus polyphyllus and Lupinus hartwegii, creating a popular series of a varieties known as Russell hybrids. 'Bands of Nobles' forms 1 m tall plants. In late spring and early summer (May to July), erect, delicately fragrant flower spikes emerge, displaying a very wide range of colours including white, red, pink, purple, mauve, yellow and blue. They contrast beautifully with the dark green to bluish green palmate foliage.

Lupins are a cottage garden favourite, bringing a wonderful verticality and structure to the flower garden. Despite their large size, the sturdy stems don't require staking and are perfect at the back of summer bedding schemes in front of roses, peonies and Oriental poppies. Lupins enjoy cool, deep, acidic soils that are relatively poor and light, in full sun or half-shade. When left to self-seed, they can become a little invasive. Prevent this by pruning back the stems after flowering.