Lupinus polyphyllus Purple Emperor - Large-leaved Lupine

Lupinus 'Purple Emperor' is a sumptuous novelty, bearing opulent spikes composed of blue-violet and cream-white flowers. These almost tri-coloured inflorescences appear from the beginning of summer, emerging from a beautiful tuft of deeply cut dark green foliage. This perennial new generation lupin is a vigorous cultivar with an early flowering. It will undoubtedly form a centrepiece for perennial borders. It is fairly tolerant of soil conditions, but dislikes excessive limestone.

It is commonly accepted that Russell hybrid lupins are obtained by cross-breeding Lupinus polyphyllus, a perennial plant native to North America, and L. hartwegii, an annual Mexican species. The best of them were patiently selected in the 1930s by a gardener named George Russell, who was passionate about lupins. Since then, other enthusiasts have taken over and dedicated themselves to obtaining robust, floriferous, and reliable varieties.

'Purple Emperor' was recently introduced in England. It is a vigorous and bushy herbaceous perennial, forming clumps measuring 80 to 90cm (32 to 35in) in height when in bloom and 60cm (24in) in width. It has a rapid growth rate. In May-June, it displays voluptuous spikes, sometimes reaching 40cm (16in) in length and 8cm (3in) in diameter. They are somewhat stiff, but extremely sculptural, and are densely adorned with pea-like flowers measuring 1 to 3cm (1in), in solid or bi-coloured shades of mauve, violet, and cream-white. The flowers are slightly fragrant. The intense and opulent green foliage distinguishes it from other legumes by its palmate leaves with a minimum of 5 leaflets radiating from a single petiole.

Hybrid lupins have excellent hardiness. They spread without aggression and prove resistant to diseases. Their only weakness lies in their attractiveness to gastropods. Perfect in poor and light soils, but without limestone, perennial lupins readily self-seed in suitable gardens, providing a profusion of often fragrant spikes in rainbow colours. Soften their somewhat stiff silhouettes with plants with rounded curves, such as roses and oriental poppies, in matching colours. They thrive in the company of hollyhocks and peonies, creating beautiful low-maintenance borders.