Product Description
This series of Lupine from HM Clause in France is touted as being more compact, more floriferous, and earlier blooming than the Gallery Series. In height, these are shorter than the popular Popsicle Series. Although Lupines are typically short-lived plants, they really come into their own on warm, sunny days and cool nights when planted in mass.
Lupines really come into their own during warm, sunny days and cool nights and look especially lovely when grown in masses with similar varieties. A memorable sight for any garden lover, these beautiful plants grow into well-established clumps, with several stems rising up out of a single base. A bouquet of Lupines has no equal!
Grow Lupines in full sun or light shade. They require rich organic soil with slight acidity and good drainage. They thrive in cool climates and find it difficult to survive in areas with extremely hot summers. Applying mulch around the root zone will help to keep the roots cool and will protect them over the winter. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the bloom time, as well as rejuvenate the plants in cool areas. These plants tend to attract aphids, but this can be avoided by cutting them back periodically or spraying for the pests before they become a problem.
The Lupinus p. MINI GALLERY Series - Pink Bicolor, also known as the MINI GALLERY™ Pink Bicolor Lupinus , is a compact and floriferous lupine variety. Its distinctive feature is the striking contrast between the pink and white flower spikes and the lush green foliage. This charming plant belongs to the Lupinus genus, which is part of the legume family, Fabaceae. It is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to their gardens. The unique beauty of this plant is best appreciated through visuals, so be sure to check out the Image Gallery section later in this article.
This lupine variety is more compact than the Gallery and Popsicle series. It grows to about 12 inches tall at maturity, extending to 16 inches with the flowers, with a spread of 10 inches. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or containers. Its foliage emerges in early spring, forming mounds of star-shaped leaves. These leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the stunning pink and white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. This series is touted as being more compact, more floriferous, and earlier blooming than the Gallery Series.
The MINI GALLERY™ Pink Bicolor Lupinus is a short-lived perennial, but it readily reseeds, ensuring its presence in your garden for years to come. It is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This makes it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens, or any garden designed to support local wildlife. The flowers are excellent for cutting, and a bouquet of Lupines has no equal! This lupine truly comes into its own during warm, sunny days and cool nights when planted in masses.
Care and Cultivation To ensure the healthy growth and flowering of your MINI GALLERY™ Pink Bicolor Lupinus, provide it with the following care:
- Sunlight: Plant it in a location that receives full sun to part shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Soil: This lupine thrives in fertile, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Amending the soil with organic matter can improve drainage and fertility. Lupines dislike lime and adding a few handfuls of peat in the planting hole can be beneficial, especially if your soil is alkaline.
- Watering: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, providing about an inch of water per week. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Good drainage is crucial for Lupines, and applying mulch around the root zone can help achieve this, especially in hot summers.
- Mulching: Applying mulch around the root zone helps keep the roots cool during hot summers and protects them during the winter.
- Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers encourages prolonged blooming and rejuvenates the plant. Cut back approximately 6 inches in mid-late July, then not again until spring to remove winter kill.
- Pest Control: Lupines can be susceptible to aphids. Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate measures to control any infestations.
- Climate Considerations: Lupines thrive in cool climates and may find it difficult to survive in areas with extremely hot summers. In Northern gardens, they may require some winter protection, such as a light mulch.
Benefits of Growing Lupines Lupines are not only beautiful but also beneficial for the garden. They are great companion plants for heavy-feeding vegetables like cucumber, squash, and cabbage, as well as fruit trees. This is because Lupines are nitrogen fixers. They have a unique relationship with special soil bacteria that live within nodules on their roots. These bacteria convert nitrogen from the air into a form that can be used by plants, improving soil fertility.
Companion Plants As mentioned earlier, Lupines are excellent companion plants for heavy-feeding vegetables. They also pair well with other flowering plants that have similar growing requirements. Some good companion plants for Lupines include:
- Salvia: Adds vertical spikes of blue or purple that contrast beautifully with Lupine's pink and white blooms.
- Echinacea: Complements Lupine's height and color with its vibrant, daisy-like flowers.
- Coreopsis: Offers a continuous display of yellow blooms that blend beautifully with Lupine's spikes.
- Achillea: Complements Lupine with its delicate flower clusters and pollinator appeal.
- Rudbeckia: Adds bold yellow flowers that enhance the vibrant colors of Lupine.
The Lupinus p. MINI GALLERY Series - Pink Bicolor is a delightful and versatile addition to any garden. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces or containers, while its vibrant pink and white flowers add a touch of elegance. This early-blooming variety is also a favorite among pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden. With proper care, including planting in well-drained soil, providing adequate sunlight, and practicing deadheading, this lupine will thrive and bring beauty to your garden for years to come. Consider adding this charming plant to your garden and enjoy its unique beauty and benefits.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
