Product Description
Lupinus polyphyllus MINI GALLERY™ Series - Red (30)ct Flat
MINI GALLERY™ Series
Common Name: Lupine
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 - Red is a compact, early-blooming lupine with vibrant red flowers. This lupine offers a unique combination of features not found in other varieties, making it ideal for smaller gardens and early summer color. It was developed in France by HM Clause. This series is known for being more compact and having more flowers than the Gallery Series, and it is shorter than the Popsicle Series. It is a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add a splash of color to their garden.
The MINI GALLERY™ Lupines are more compact, earlier blooming, and more floriferous than the Gallery Series and shorter in height than the popular Popsicle Series. They really come into their own during warm, sunny days and cool nights and look especially lovely when grown in masses with similar varieties. Gardeners will appreciate how these attractive plants form robust clumps with multiple stems emerging from the base. They thrive in cool climates and may struggle in areas with extremely hot summers.
As a member of the legume family, Lupinus can improve the fertility of the soil where it grows. Often called "nitrogen fixers," these plants take nitrogen from the air with the help of special soil bacteria that live within nodules on their roots. This process converts nitrogen into a form that can be used by nearby plants, enhancing the overall health and productivity of your garden.
Features of the Red Variety The red variety of the Lupinus p. MINI GALLERY Series has raspberry-red flower spikes on sturdy stems that shoot up above the foliage. The leaves are green, compound, and palmate. The flowers make amazing bouquets and attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. This variety is also notable for blooming about two weeks earlier than other lupines. It is deer and rabbit resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
- Botanical Name: Lupinus polyphyllus Mini Gallery™ 'Red'
- Common Name: Lupine
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Color: Red
- Bloom Time: Spring-Summer
- Garden Height: 14-16 inches
- Garden Spread: 7-9 inches
- Uses: Beds, borders, containers, cut flowers, mass plantings, native gardens, rock gardens
- Nature Attraction: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Critter Resistance: Deer, rabbit
- Notable Features: Native to North America
- Growth Habit: Upright
This series, while bred from species native to the western U.S., was developed in France by HM Clause.
Care Lupinus p. MINI GALLERY Series - Red thrives in rich, acidic, organic, sandy soils with good drainage and moderate moisture levels. Amend with compost before planting. Lupines prefer cooler climates and benefit from a layer of mulch. Deadheading spent flowers will extend the bloom time where cooler climates allow and may also encourage repeat blooming.
Planting
- Soil Preparation: Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Spacing: Space Mini Gallery Lupine plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
- Planting Depth: Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and place the Mini Gallery Lupine at the same depth it was growing in its nursery container.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Watering and Maintenance
- Watering: Mini Gallery Lupines have moderate water needs and benefit from consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Fertilizing: In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth.
- Managing Pests and Diseases: While Mini Gallery Lupines are generally pest-resistant, monitor your plants regularly for aphids or slugs. Use organic pest control methods if necessary. Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases.
- Support and Deadheading: As the flower spikes emerge, provide support with stakes or cages to prevent them from bending or breaking in strong winds. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and encourage new growth all season long.
- Overwintering: In cold climates, Mini Gallery Lupines benefit from a layer of mulch in late fall to protect their roots from freezing temperatures. Cut back the foliage after it dies back naturally in winter to tidy up the garden bed.
- Pruning: Regular pruning can help prevent aphid infestations.
The Lupinus p. MINI GALLERY Series - Red is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces or containers, while its vibrant red flowers add a striking splash of color. This variety is also low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. As an early bloomer, it provides color earlier in the season than other lupines, and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil benefits neighboring plants. With its attractive flowers, resistance to deer and rabbits, and ability to thrive in a variety of settings, the Lupinus p. MINI GALLERY Series - Red is an excellent choice for those seeking a beautiful and beneficial addition to their garden.
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!
