Lupine garden perennial planting and care. Planting seeds in garden soil in spring

Lupine perennial - one of the most grandiose in beauty and variety of colors decorative flower. Planting and caring for this plant will not cause many problems, while the flowering of one bush can last up to 5 years (photo provided below).

The homeland of all lupins is North America, but the geography of distribution is much wider: from 0 to 4800 meters, from the Mediterranean to the highlands of the Andes and the Cordillera. This is interesting, the plant not only pleases the eye, but also enriches the soil with nitrogen, it is often grown as green manure.

Some types of lupins are included in the diet of animals, as they are rich in valuable proteins and proteins. Some types of Lupinus (from lat. Lupus - wolf) - wolf beans contain poisonous lupinine, which, if consumed, can cause serious poisoning.

This flower is a valuable raw material for the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. On household plots, the fleshy greens of lupine can serve as a good organic fertilizer.

plant description

Lupins belong to the legume family, flower seeds ripen in seed pods that look like small bean pods. There are more than 200 species of these plants, which differ significantly from each other:

• in size: four-meter giants and 20-centimeter dwarfs;
• according to the tinting of the turrets-inflorescences: monophonic (blue, white, red, etc.) and multi-color (two and three-color);
• by life expectancy: annual, biennial, perennial;
• according to the structure, shape and density of the stems: herbaceous plants or tree-like subshrubs.

Complex palmately divided leaves on elongated petioles are enclosed in a basal rosette, stem leaves are arranged alternately. Wolf flowers have a powerful rod-shaped root system that penetrates the soil to a meter or more depth, extracting the substances and water necessary for nutrition. Important detail that the racemose inflorescences of many varieties are highly decorative and have a long flowering period.

Species and varieties

Long years of selection work have given us many magnificent varieties of perennial lupins. Interestingly, the lion's share of all ornamental perennials refers to hybrids of multi-leaved lupine.

Immerse yourself in the colorful waterfalls of pyramidal blooms by looking at the most popular varieties and find something you like to plant in your own garden.

• • Scarlet Sails- herbaceous shoots, up to 1.3 meters high with rich red spike-shaped inflorescences. Flowering period from June to September;
  • Tutti Frutti- powerful stems reach a height of up to 1 meter, decorated with two-color pyramidal inflorescences. Blooms in the first year of sowing;
  • Apricot- flowering begins in June and continues until mid-July. Bright orange brushes rise 35-40 cm above the plant;
  • Minaret- an undersized variety up to 50 cm high, of which 30 falls on a brush with flowers tightly pressed to each other. At early landing blooms in the year of sowing (August-early September);
  • Roseus- a plant up to 100-110 cm high, pale pink flowers are collected in inflorescences up to 40 cm high. The flowering period is June-July;
  • Lulu- the height of the stems with peduncles is 50-60 cm. The first flowering is in June. The main feature of this variety is the ability to secondary flowering in August, promptly breaking off the withering pyramids;

• Princess Julianne- a distinctive feature of two-tone white-pink flowers, candle-shaped brushes reach 35-40 cm. The height of the bush is up to 110 cm, flowering in the month of July;
• Castle- a meter plant with large flowers up to 2 cm, collected in dense red cylindrical brushes, up to 45-50 cm long. Repeat flowering is possible;
• Lupine Russell Yellow Flame- a light-loving fragrant perennial, the height of shoots with peduncles is up to 100 cm. The flowers are large, bright yellow, collected in many-flowered brushes up to 45 cm. Flowering begins in early June and lasts 30-40 days.

It should be noted that a significant contribution to the derivation ornamental varieties belongs to the English breeder J. Russell, who created for us a whole symphony of new colors among the representatives of perennial lupins.

How to grow from seeds and seedlings

There are several ways to grow perennial lupine:

• sowing in the ground;
• through seedlings;
• dividing the bush;
• cuttings.

If everything is very clear with the last two, we are talking about an adult, mature plant that is cultivated in the garden, you just need to propagate it. Alas, due to the peculiarities of the root system, such reproduction is not always successful. To introduce new varieties into the flower garden, you will have to stock up on seed material or purchase it from a reliable manufacturer.

Lupine seeds can remain viable for up to 5 years. A curious fact is that plants grown from seeds may differ in color from the parent bush. The fact is that wolf flowers are prone to cross-pollination.

Seeds in open ground

Sow perennial varieties lupins in open ground possible throughout the summer season from early spring to autumn. The beans are pickled in a 50% solution of foundationazole or potassium permanganate and sown in the soil, covering no more than 1.5-2 cm with light humus or peat.

Sprouts will appear in 1-2 weeks. Spring sowing can be done in April-May, immediately after the danger of frost has passed or under light cover.

• either a month before the onset of cold weather, so that the sprout has time to take root thoroughly;
• or at the end of October (beginning of November) before winter, so that the seedlings do not have time to germinate.

It is important that when sowing before winter, friendly spring shoots by August will decorate the garden with lush flowering.

seedling method

Consider growing perennial lupine through seedlings step by step:

1. Preparation of land and containers. At home, lupine seeds are sown in a prepared soil substrate, consisting of 2/3 of a mixture of earth and peat. To improve drainage properties, sand is added. Roots and tubers of old plants, ground into powder, are mixed into the planting soil mixture for the active growth of nitrogen-absorbing bacteria. Loose earthen mixture is scattered over any in-depth containers, and this is important, since the plant does not tolerate transplantation well and has a long rhizome.
2. Seed preparation. The grains are pre-soaked. Put the seeds in damp cheesecloth and leave in a warm place. When the seeds swell and hatch, you can plant.
3. Landing. Lupine seedlings are sown in March or early April. Started to grow, the seeds are laid out in a moistened soil mixture at some distance to avoid thinning and sprinkled with a light layer of earth. Seedling containers are covered with a film and left in the light at room temperature before germination.
4. To a permanent place. Planting seedlings in a permanent place is carried out at the stage of 2-3 true leaves (no more than 5). Please note that the distance between plants is at least 30-50 cm, depending on the lupine variety.

Care

The main advantage of wolf flowers is their amazing survival rate. They prefer open sunny places, but many varieties feel quite comfortable in partial shade.

Lupins are not picky about soils. The ideal option is loamy and sandy soils close to neutral in acidity.

The plant responds favorably to top dressing organic fertilizers and does not tolerate moisture stagnation. Lupine is quite unpretentious, the main thing in care:

• weeding and loosening of young shoots of the first year;
• moderate watering;
• top dressing (superphosphate) in the second year of life;
• flower stalks of tall varieties are tied to supports so that they are not broken by the wind;
• the lower part of the lupine bush needs periodic hilling with earth (the roots are exposed);
• for long flowering, wilted brushes should be removed in a timely manner;
• for the winter, the aerial part of the bush is cut off and spudded with earth.

It is important to remember that bushes can grow in one place without losing their decorative effect, no more than 5-7 years (depending on the variety) and periodically rejuvenate the plantings.

Diseases and pests

Plants are susceptible to diseases:

1. Gray and root rot, fusarium wilt - remove the flower and pause (3-4 years) until the plant is re-planted in this place.
2. Powdery mildew - spray several times with a solution of Bordeaux mixture (0.5%), preventive treatment with a solution of soda ash (1%) 2-3 times during the month.
3. Rust - destroy the affected shoots, treat with copper oxychloride (0.7%).
4. Viral spotting - eliminate the bush, shed the soil with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
5. It is affected by insects: aphids, weevils, sprout fly larvae - spraying bushes with specialized insecticides.

If due attention is paid to the selection of healthy seed material, preparation of the planting site, observing crop rotation, and the selection of good disease-resistant varieties, then it is possible, if not avoided, then to minimize the risks of plant damage by various diseases.

If you want to decorate your garden with a spectacular and unpretentious plant that will delight you with a variety of flowers every year. decorative inflorescences with iridescent colors, opt for different varieties perennial lupine.

How to grow lupine from seeds, see the gardener's tips in the following video:

Every gardener is faced with the fact that after some time of use land plot Vitamin and nutrient reserves of the soil begin to deplete. The time is coming for its restoration, and here you can resort to one of two options - actively fertilize the beds or simply sow them with green manure so that they, in turn, feed the earth with all the necessary substances, loosening it along the way. Beautiful flowering is not expected from such plants, their task is extremely simple and understandable - to grow and saturate. But there is wonderful plant, like lupine, which not only brings tangible benefits in the garden, but is also a pleasant sight during flowering.

Varieties of lupine and its benefits as green manure

Of course, lupine is one of the first to come to mind, as soon as it comes to green manure. But not everyone is ready to choose him as an assistant. Most likely, the reason lies in the ability of lupine to root perfectly in the chosen place (the roots go almost two meters deep) and its vitality. However, if you look closely at its merits, then fears and doubts can quickly evaporate. And that's why:

1. The roots really go very far deep (1.5 - 2 meters), which allows the plant to absorb monohydrophosphates ( mineral fertilizers) and raise them higher, delivering them to the upper layers of the soil. At the same time, the nutrient reserves in the sod layer remain intact, that is, lupine does not impoverish the soil.
2. Lupine perfectly loosens the soil, supplies it with oxygen, and this - good pledge healthy growth and development of vegetable and fruit crops planted after lupine.
3. The effect of growing lupine on acidic and poor soils, as well as sandy loam, is especially noticeable. Most varieties of lupine contain alkaloids, due to which acidic soil gradually turns into alkaline.
4. Lupine grows very quickly and shows high yields (this applies to green mass). The maximum result can be obtained already a month and a half after sowing.
5. The unpretentiousness of lupine and its ability to survive in difficult conditions no worse than many weeds make it possible to use the plant on the principle of "planted - mowed" without serious care.

Did you know that lupine not only loosens and refreshes the soil in every sense, but also makes it healthier? All thanks to lupinin, which does not give a quiet life to the harmful bacterial flora and is not to the taste of the wireworm, which hastily leaves the places where lupine grows. But it is not found in all varieties. For cultivation, certain varieties of lupine are taken as green manure:

1. Lupine is white.
2. Lupine blue (aka narrow-leaved).
3. Lupine is yellow.

Lupine white

White lupine is classified as a green manure variety, although, rather, it is of great benefit as a fodder crop (for livestock). This is due to the fact that this variety does not contain alkaloids, which determine the degree of usefulness of lupine for the gardener. In addition, he will have to be looked after much more actively than other varieties. However, if you have a large yard that contains cattle, white lupine can become the best choice. Outwardly, it is larger than other varieties - it can reach a height of two meters, and its inflorescences stretch up to 30 cm. The variety loves heat very much and calmly tolerates drought. Among the common varieties, Degu, Gamma and others are distinguished.

Blue or narrow-leaved

Lupine blue is much more unpretentious than the previous variety - it easily tolerates low temperatures and even frosts, does not require care. Despite the name, inflorescences can be not only blue, but also pink, lilac and even white. It is not as tall as the white variety, reaching a maximum of one and a half meters in height. Such varieties of narrow-leaved lupine are known as Crystal, Change, Nemchinovsky blue and many others. They are also suitable for growing as a fodder crop, but they are especially successful in the role of green manure. And there is a variety that is called Siderat 38. It is known for being a living fertilizer due to special substances in the roots.

It is blue lupine that is primarily used as green manure, because it grows very quickly, is not afraid of cold weather, takes root deeply and saturates the upper layers of the soil with nitrogen, while loosening them.

Yellow

The next variety is yellow lupine. It is even smaller in height (maximum one meter) and, unlike the white and blue lupins, is cross-pollinated rather than self-pollinated. The inflorescence is yellow or slightly touched with orange. It is not so resistant to cold, although it can withstand light frosts. It performs best in warm conditions. It is necessary to plant it on sandstones and sandy loams. Among the famous varieties are Fakel, Peresvet and Grodnensky 3.

In addition to all the listed types of lupine, you can use a perennial variety, otherwise called a multi-leaved one. It is also rich in alkaloids and easily survives the winter. Therefore, if you want to give rest to any part of your garden long time, multi-leaf lupine will be very handy.

Video: annual lupine (siderat)

How to plant a plant?

Lupine is quite undemanding to the composition of the soil, but still heavy loams and peat bogs are not suitable for it. Before planting this crop, loosen the soil, remove all plant debris and proceed to planting. Lupine does not require the application of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which will negate its beneficial properties. Despite the good frost resistance of most varieties, planting is carried out in the second half of May, when the probability of a strong drop in temperature is no longer as great as at the beginning of the month.

The lupine planting scheme is very simple - the seeds must be sown to a depth of 3-4 cm in narrow grooves, between which 20 cm are left. An average distance of 10 cm is maintained between adjacent plants. These indicators are averaged and can increase or decrease depending on the size plants belonging to a particular variety.

Try not to plant the seeds as close to the surface as possible - they have a very hard shell, which is much better removed when germinating from a good depth. If the sprout tries to break through from a depth of less than 2.5 - 3 cm, then it may not shed the shell, and then the cotyledon leaves will not develop normally. To make life easier for the plant, cut the shell of the seeds - this is called scarification.

Finding lupine seeds is easy, just contact the nursery where this plant is grown, or find information on the Internet. The price per kilogram is usually low, so the event for sowing the site will be cheap.

Siderat care

Actually, caring for lupine does not present any difficulties, since this plant easily masters virgin areas, the soil would be suitable. To ensure the most beneficial effect from growing green manure, lupines are mowed two months after planting. Usually at this time he already has time to fade and acquires green pods. Digging beds with lupine is not required. It is enough to mow the green mass, cut the roots with a flat cutter and sprinkle it all with earth. If it happens in dry weather, then watering the beds is required. It would be appropriate to use drugs with effective microorganisms, which can be replaced with herbal infusions.

If for some reason you delayed harvesting lupine, then it is better to send the beveled stems to compost, since they will no longer decompose so well in the ground.

Lupine narrow-leaved is often planted before the onset of autumn, in the second half of August. It manages to grow quickly, and already at the end of October it can be mowed and slightly dug. You can also leave cut lupine on the surface of the beds until the next season.

Interaction with other cultures

Lupine in itself is full as a green manure, and it makes no sense to grow it together with other plants of a similar purpose. Otherwise, you can get on the site of the struggle between landings for Better conditions, and the result of your event will most likely not be as good as expected.

But to plant lupine in the aisles when growing vegetable crops is a very good solution. In this case, all three types of lupine are also used, but white is the best among them. Remember to only water it at least once a week.

In the place where lupine was grown, nightshade (tomatoes, potatoes), pepper, cruciferous ( different kinds cabbage, radish, turnip), pink (strawberry, garden strawberry, strawberry). Legumes should not be planted here, since belonging to the same family causes the presence of common pests and diseases.

Possible difficulties in growing

It would seem that it could be easier than growing a weed on your site, which in the wild feels great and breeds at a high speed? However, often in the garden and garden, he can suddenly stall and not live up to expectations. But everything has its reasons.

First of all, make sure you grow lupine in acidic or at least neutral soil. It will not grow on alkaline, so be sure to measure the acidity level of the soil in your area, and then it will become clear whether it is worth using lupine as a green manure.

In the first days and weeks of growth, lupine develops slowly and begins to drown in weeds. However, do not rush to get upset, because as soon as it grows, no weeds will no longer interfere with it. It's a good idea to plant lupine after winter rye or wheat, which are famous for weed suppression plants.

Lupine is rightly considered beautiful unpretentious flower. Lupine belongs to the legume family and can grow up to 120 centimeters in height.

In fact, the flower contains many advantages, since it simultaneously pleases the human eye, and brings extraordinary benefits to the land on which it grows.

Nitrogen accumulates in the root system of the flower, which has a positive effect on the soil. By itself, lupine is not very demanding of itself, its care is minimal.

It is very interesting to know that lupine can bloom several times - in May and August. So, if you want to enjoy its beautiful candles twice a year, cut off the top when it has faded, and you can observe flowering as early as August.

Candle flowers are found up to sixty centimeters in length. Regarding flowers, let's say that they can be of various colors: red, blue, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple, etc.

A beginner florist will be curious about the fact that lupins come in two colors.

Without taking into account synonyms, about two hundred species of lupine are known in our time. Americans prefer the volatile lupine, often found around cities.

It is worth noting that huge advantage lupine before other flowers is heat resistance. In this regard, certain types of lupins can be found even in the African desert. Regarding the many-leaved lupine, let's say that it is distributed throughout the world.

Lupine can advantageously decorate the interior of the room, as it has been standing in a vase for a long time. If you want to create a floral harmony, don't be afraid to experiment and combine lupins with hostas, bearded irises, delphiniums, red poppies.

Ideal places for planting lupins are gardens in villages, flower beds. personal plot becomes much more beautiful when tulips grow on it.

Lupine breeding

Lupine, like all living things in the world, tends to multiply. Regarding reproduction, it is possible in two ways: vegetatively and by seeds.

The first method (vegetative) propagation of lupins makes it possible to preserve the unchanged color of the flowers. Division is better to produce three-four-year-old bushes. Why does a lupine have to be that many years old?

Answering this question, let's say that such bushes form rosettes much better and faster, and also multiply effectively by dividing.

Seed sowing is a special mixture. Spring is the best time for sowing. It is in the spring that a mixture of soddy soil, sand, and peat is prepared. Remember that in the preparation of a mixture for sowing lupins, a clear proportion must be observed - 1: 1: 0.5.

The first shoots appear within a week or two after sowing. After three to four weeks, you can start planting lupine in the flower garden, as the lupine already has several leaves.

It is worth remembering that when planting lupine, you need to observe a distance of 40-50 centimeters between plants. It is best to plant the plant in May, but it is also possible to plant in April (if the weather is warm).

About planting and caring for lupine in detail

Often people resort to ridiculing lupine from seeds. Flower seeds can be of completely different shapes.

Alkaloids are poisonous substances contained in the seeds of lupins. That is why it is worth taking care when sowing seeds.

You need to know that it is desirable to plant lupine on sunny place, since with a high degree of probability the flower will not take root in the shade.

The soil for planting a flower must be prepared in advance, as it must be fresh, loose, and also enriched with fertilizers. Planting lupine, as already mentioned, is carried out in May or April.

Caring for lupine is not difficult. To do this, it is necessary to spud the flower with fresh soil, enrich it with fertilizers. It is also advisable to cut off faded inflorescences.

It is worth noting that lupine loses its visual appeal over the years, and therefore every four years a new planting should be done.

This beautiful perennial flower bred with the help of selection, and its excellent varietal qualities are best transmitted by dividing the mother bush. It is often grown from seeds as well. This plant is lupine. The most unexpected shades of flowers of this plant are found in culture, with a predominance of pink or blue colors. The abundance of variants can be explained by the selective nature of lupine.

In the article you can learn about the features of planting perennial lupine, its cultivation.

Homeland and growing conditions of the plant

Lupine is a herbaceous plant. In the wild, it is found in Africa, the Mediterranean, South and North America. Gardeners in their summer cottages plant various cultivated flower forms that differ from wild plants in their abundant flowering.

The plant is very fond of sandy and loamy soil. Preferred lighting - light (lace shade of trees).

General information

In gardens, lupins are mainly planted in decorative purposes, as it looks wonderful in any landscape design. Its usual place is the middle of the flower bed, as it is quite tall and stands out well among other plants. It also looks good among bushes and trees, but at the same time, the place should be well lit.

When grown from perennial lupine seed, the purple hue is dominant. Some varieties of lupine can bloom at the beginning of summer and at the very end of the warm season (until October), but their inflorescences die off relatively quickly.

Lupine, being a green manure (plants grown to nourish the soil with various useful elements), perfectly enriches the soil with nitrogen and improves the quality of the soil. After full germination, its stems and leaves, pulled out and embedded in the soil, turn into an excellent fertilizer for other crops.

Description

Characteristics of perennial lupine:

• plant height - 50-150 cm;
• palmate leaves are large, located on long cuttings;
• long inflorescences (up to 50 cm) have a pyramidal shape;

In total, there are more than 200 varieties of this plant. Perennial lupine flowers have inflorescences of various shades: pink, white, purple, yellow, lilac, etc.

Kinds

Of the hundreds of plant species, only a dozen are ornamental and garden, and most often they are perennial, growing in height, as noted above, up to 150 centimeters.

Below are the most popular types.

• Blue or narrow-leaved lupine. It grows up to 80-150 cm. Its slightly pubescent stem is erect. The flowers are odorless, but have a variety of colors - pink, white, purple.

• Multi-leaved. This type of perennial lupine in vivo grows in North America, however, it feels great in climatic conditions Russia. Height - 80-120 cm, inflorescence length - up to 35 cm. Flowers - multi-colored, blooming in June.
• White. Height - 150 cm. The stem has a branching, in the upper part it is erect. The leaves have dense pubescence, creating a beautiful silvery rim along their edges. The flowers are odorless, but have a variety of shades: white, light pink, pale blue.

• Yellow. This type of plant is an annual. The pubescent stem is covered with big amount leaves growing on long pubescent petioles. The yellow flowers have an aroma reminiscent of the mignonette flower.

Also quite common species, as well as widely used by gardeners, are silver, tree-like, changeable, dwarf, etc. Planting seeds for seedlings of perennial lupine of all types and varieties, as well as planting seeds immediately into the ground, is quite acceptable.

A little about varieties

As for the varieties of perennial lupine, some of them are the most widely used in culture. For example, the variety "Princess Juliana" (height 110 cm), which has white-pink flowers located on long racemes. The flowering period of this variety is up to 40 days.

Variety "Apricot" (height up to 90 cm) has beautiful orange flowers on inflorescences up to 40 cm long.

The most beloved by flower growers and the most attractive varieties of lupine were bred by breeder Russell. These are varieties "Mein Schloss" (red-brick shade of flowers) and "Burg Freulin" (pure white color). From a series of bright undersized hybrids: Minaret (more information below in the article), Splendid. All of them belong to the group of monophonic varieties and hybrids with flowers of a contrasting or white hue.

Variety "Minaret"

I would especially like to note this particular variety. This unpretentious plant has a height of up to 50 cm. It has openwork large leaves and beautiful inflorescences - giant pyramidal spikes (up to 30 cm long) of the brightest colors. Butterfly type flowers bloom sequentially from the bottom up and delight the eye all summer and early autumn. This variety of lupine is used both in single and in group plantings with other perennials. They are effective in bouquets.

Growing perennial lupine "Minaret" from seeds is practically no different from growing other varieties. Seeds are sown in containers in March-April. Shoots appear after 14-20 days. Seedlings are planted in the ground in May, while damaging your own earthen coma should be avoided. You can sow seeds directly into the ground from May to mid-July. Prefers "Minaret" sunny areas.

cultivation

Usually in nature and in gardens, lupine reproduces by self-sowing. Its seeds ripen in beans, which crack in the autumn and the fruits scatter from them.

Among flower growers, the most common way to grow perennial lupine is from seed. When to plant them? Seeds can be sown in the ground throughout the warm season:

• spring;
• in summer;
• at the beginning of autumn.

The seedling method of growing a plant is used in northern latitudes.

Landing time

When using the seedling propagation method from seeds, sowing should be done in early spring, at the very beginning of March.

When and how to grow perennial lupine from seeds? In this case, the most best time April is the month (after the snow has melted), but it should be noted that it is better to prepare a plot for flowers in the fall.

Some flower growers prefer to sow lupine seeds before winter (end of October). In this case, there are practically no contraindications, there are even a number of advantages: seeds that do not have time to germinate before winter ripen in the ground in quite comfortable and natural conditions.

Growing perennial lupine seedlings

It is not difficult to grow seedlings from flower seeds. This must be done, as noted above, about a month before planting seedlings in open ground.

1. Prepare a mixture of earth, peat and sand in equal proportions.
2. In a seedling container, create drainage system, to prevent water stagnation.
3. Plant seeds approximately 2 cm deep.
4. It is advisable to water the seedlings with warm rainwater.

Unpretentious perennial lupine. Planting and caring for it does not require much effort. But it should be noted that when growing in seedlings, planting lupine in open ground must be carried out when the seedlings grow 2-3 leaves. It is not worth delaying this process so that there are no problems with the transplant, otherwise it can become a significant hindrance during the transplant.

For this plant, you should choose sunny areas, but slightly shaded for some varieties. In low light, the plant begins to bloom later, and the inflorescences stretch upwards and become less lush.

Planting perennial lupine seeds

In warm southern regions seeds are planted in open ground immediately after the snow thaws (April), and the first flowering occurs the following summer.

It is advisable, if possible, to mix the seeds before sowing with the tubers of the roots of old lupins crushed into a powder state. This helps to accelerate the growth of bacteria that absorb nitrogen. The first shoots germinate in 7-14 days. To achieve simultaneous germination of seeds, it is better to cover the crops with damp gauze and keep warm.

For this rather simple method (propagation by seeds), you must first select a place for the permanent cultivation of lupine. The flower itself is practically unpretentious to the composition of the soil, but fertile and loose soil is most suitable.

Perennial lupine is a plant with excellent decorative properties. To a greater extent, it is grown from seeds, and later it propagates by self-sowing, decorating the flower beds with its lush and abundant flowering.

Boarding order:

1. Pre-prepare small holes with a distance between them of 30 cm.
2. Place the seeds in holes (approximately 2 cm deep) and cover with earth, and lightly sprinkle with sand. You can plant them and randomly scattering them in a flower bed.
3. Water the soil generously.
4. Mulch the soil with peat.

In warm sunny weather, the first shoots appear in almost two weeks.

Sowing seeds before winter should be done at the end of October. When planting a perennial lupine during this period, it should not be watered, since there is enough moisture in the ground. The first shoots will sprout in the spring, a week after the snow has completely melted.

plant care

Unpretentious perennial lupine. Planting and care in the open field do not require much effort. The soil should be regularly loosened and weeded from weeds. Older plants need to be hilled up, because the root system is gradually exposed during growth. Starting from the second year, the plant must be fed mineral mixture in spring: per 1 sq. meter add potassium sulfate (5 g) and 20 grams of superphosphate.

Lupins tolerate drought well, so moderate watering is sufficient for them. Only in spring period they should be watered a little more to stimulate the formation of flower stalks. It should be noted that when the first shoots appear, it is necessary to water them in a timely manner, and in the evening or morning hours, in order to avoid burning the young foliage with the sun's rays. green mass. In this regard, caring for him during this period includes only weeding and applying nitrogen fertilizers to strengthen him and better growth.

It is important to remember that prolonged stagnation of moisture can have a detrimental effect on the plant - rotting of the roots will occur. To prolong the flowering period of perennial lupine, wilted inflorescences must be cut off. Perennials in this case can bloom even in October. In autumn, the ground part of the plant should be completely removed, and the roots should be covered with sawdust to increase the winter hardiness of flowers.

In one place, a lupine flower can grow up to 5-6 years, then it is advisable to renew the bush with a young plant obtained by any method of reproduction.

Lupine Features

Speaking about the reproduction of perennial lupine from seeds, it is important to recall that such reproduction does not guarantee that the young lupine will inherit the color and other characteristics of the mother plant.

Usually lupine is grown from seeds for the purpose of a breeding experiment. As a rule, the flowers of the plant are dominated by pink and purple shades, so they can be preserved in the next generation. White color when propagated by seeds, it is likely to be lost.

Seed collection

The seeds of a plant do not ripen at the same time according to the height of the peduncle. After the flowering of each flower, fruits are formed in the form of beans. At the same time, they can be ripe only in the lower part of the flower arrow, and still blooming buds can be located above. Ripe boxes dry up and become yellow-brown in color. The shelf life of seeds after their collection is no more than 5 years.

Dried fruits should be plucked without waiting for the entire arrow to ripen. To prevent seed loss, the ripening beans can be tied with gauze to keep the seeds from the pods from falling to the ground. Seeds from opened beans should be dried well in a shady place with good air circulation.

Self-collected seeds remain viable for 5-6 years.

Conclusion

As you can see, growing perennial lupine with seedlings and seeds is practically no different from growing many other types of plants.

Many flower growers love this magnificent perennial, which has an attractive flowering of a variety of shades of flowers. Lupine is excellent for decorating any adjoining and summer cottage, as well as a garden.

Lupine - decorative culture, able to decorate flower beds and lawns. Culture is not whimsical in cultivation. For planting in summer cottages and in the garden, annual and perennial varieties are used. At the same time, perennial lupins are grown more often - the plant winters well in the conditions of central Russia.

Bright, showy, easy to grow is a description of a handsome lupine. Even beginner flower growers can cope with caring for perennial lupins. His healing properties are used in agriculture, in everyday life, in medicine and in cooking. Lupine is a green manure, animal feed, a remedy for age-related skin changes and hair loss, a medicine and a dietary treat.

Lupine flower: description

The name of the plant comes from Latin word"lupus", which translates as "wolf". However, it is not necessary to talk about the visual similarity of lupine with a wolf. According to one version, the plant was so nicknamed for the voracious absorption of nutrients from the soil.

There is a legend that in ancient times lupine was used to prepare magical infusions that could turn a person into a wolf.

Lupine (Lupinus) belongs to the legume family.. Often found in natural environment- in meadows, on slopes, on uncultivated lands. That is why some flower growers treat lupine with disdain, not paying attention to its spectacular decorative qualities.

In nature, lupine grows in Africa, in the Mediterranean lands. There are about 12 varieties of plants. In these latitudes, you can see beautiful multi-colored fields of lupins. In addition, the culture grows throughout America. You can meet the plant in Russia.

Biological description

root system	It has a rod shape, powerful and highly developed. It goes deeper into the soil by more than 1.5 meters, due to this, the soil is loosened and nutrients are raised to its upper layers. On the roots of the culture there are special nodules of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Due to this, the plant absorbs nitrogen from the air, converting it into bound state. Thus, lupine enriches the soil with nutrients.
Stem	Depending on the varietal variety of the crop, its stems can be herbaceous and woody. The degree of foliage of the stem also depends on the variety of lupine. The height of the culture is different, the maximum reaches 2 meters. The stem itself is powerful, but under the influence strong wind may crack.
Leaves	The leaves are arranged in a regular order. They are located on elongated petioles, which are attached to the stem with a leaf cushion. The form sheet plate- finger-complex. Leaf color is bright green. The leaf surface is smooth. The foliage of lupine is decorative, the leaves are bright and strongly divided, they perfectly decorate a tall and powerful stem.
	The inflorescence is represented by an apical raceme with a large number of small flowers, which are arranged in whorled or in the next order. The length of the racemose inflorescence can reach 1 meter. Flower color: white, pink, purple, purple, yellow, red.
seeds	Seeds (beans) of different varieties of perennial lupine differ in shape, size and color. When the beans dry out, they crack and scatter seeds that are small in size. Therefore, if you want to collect the seeds, it is not recommended to wait for the moment of cracking, but to open the beans that are not yet completely dry.

When and where to plant perennial lupine in open ground?

For planting perennial lupins, it is recommended to choose areas well-lit by the sun, but partial shade is also suitable. It is recommended to prepare a landing site in advance. The plant does not tolerate heavy soils, it is not recommended to plant lupine where the level ground water too high.

You can plant the plant in spring or autumn. If you decide to plant a flower in the fall, then this must be done one month before the onset of the first frost. If you sow seeds in the spring, then it is better to do this after the snow melts, around mid-April.

If you plant a plant in the spring, then in the summer you can see flowering. However, it will not be as intense as after the autumn planting.

Very often, the culture blooms only the next year - usually at the very end of spring.

Seeds can be sown immediately in open ground, or seedlings.

To sow seeds in open ground, you will need:

1. it is recommended to prepare a place for sowing and soil in the autumn;
2. seeds before sowing must be treated in a solution of foundationazole (50% solution);
3. when sowing seeds, it is required to keep a distance - about 35 cm from each other;
4. it is not recommended to deepen the seeds by more than 4 cm;
5. For seed germination, air temperatures above three degrees are required.

Perennial lupine seeds remain viable for five years.

Used frequently seedling method cultivation:

1. Prepare seedling boxes and fill them ready ground for flowering crops.
2. Soil for sowing seeds can be prepared independently. To do this, you need to take peat (1 part), grain soil (1 part) and sand (0.5 parts).
3. Sowing is carried out in early spring.
4. To improve the germination of seeds, it is recommended to scratch them with a needle before sowing.
5. To speed up the germination of seeds, it is recommended to cover the crops with glass, plastic wrap or moistened gauze, and then put them in a warm place.
6. The first shoots can be found after a week.
7. When more than 4 leaves are formed, seedlings need to be transplanted into open ground;
8. Do not delay too long with the transplantation of seedlings in open ground, as they may not take root.

Interaction with other cultures

Perennial lupins are used in landscape design. They blend well with each other and with other plants. Gorgeous multi-colored lupins in group plantings.

Culture is combined with such plants:

• delphiniums;
• nivyaniks;
• phloxes;
• hosts;
• astilbe;
• irises.

In flowerbeds, it is recommended to plant lupine in the central part or to the background, if these are tall varieties. Low-growing varieties are also suitable for planting in the foreground. Lupins look great in a frame decorative fences and country buildings.

The plant is tried to be planted near fruit trees and bushes, since lupine is able to enrich the soil with potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Thus, lupins are not only beautiful, but also useful for other cultures.

Flowering perennial lupine

A feature of perennial lupine is that it able to bloom up to two times per summer. The first flowering usually occurs in mid-June, and the second - at the end of the summer season, in August. Lupine blooms are very showy and colorful. Flowering lasts up to one month. In the right growing conditions, it can bloom for longer.

The flowers in the brush open gradually, so the flowering period is long. To achieve repeated flowering, it is recommended to remove wilted inflorescences.

How to grow more crops?

It is pleasant for any gardener and summer resident to get a big harvest with large fruits. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to get the desired result.

Often plants lack nutrition and useful minerals

It has the following properties:

• Allows increase yield by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
• You can get good harvest even on low-fertility soils and in adverse climatic conditions
• Absolutely safe

Caring for perennial lupine in the garden

Perennial lupine is an unpretentious and easy-to-maintain culture. Therefore, even beginners are able to grow these plants.

So that it grows beautiful, healthy and happy bright inflorescences, you must follow a number of rules:

Ground Requirements

For planting a plant, it is necessary to choose light soil. Clay and heavy soils are not suitable for planting perennial lupine.

• It is not recommended to choose places with high level groundwater, since the strong moisture content of the soil is dangerous for the flower.
• It is better to choose slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils with the addition of sand or loam.
• There must be good water permeability and breathability. If the soil is too acidic, then lime must be added to it, if it is too alkaline, peat.
• It is not recommended to plant lupins in one place for more than three years in a row. The best predecessors are considered to be cereals.

Humidity and watering

The flower does not need high humidity air. Therefore, spraying is not necessary.

Waterlogging the soil is dangerous for the plant, as this can lead to rotting of the root system.

In the first year, watering should be intensive and regular., since at this time the culture builds up the root system. The older the plant, the less water it needs.

During dry periods, watering is required more often, however, overflow should not be allowed - this can damage the root system. In the spring, before flowering, the culture needs to be watered more abundantly. Watering is best done in the evening after loosening the soil and removing weeds.

Climatic conditions

The plant can grow in almost any environment. Lupine tolerates winter well. Lupine seedlings tolerate lower air temperatures down to minus 4 degrees, however, it is better to plant them when the threat of night frosts disappears.

The warmer the summer, the more intensively the culture will grow and bloom. However, even cool weather will not prevent the lupine from blooming with bright colors.

It is very important to grow perennial species in well-lit or semi-shaded areas. The more sun, the brighter and more intense the flowering of lupine will be.

Perennial lupine is protected from strong winds and drafts. Strong gusts of wind can damage tall plant stems.

Fertilization

In the second year of growth, lupine needs to be fed. As top dressing, it is recommended to use complex mineral fertilizers with a high content of potassium and phosphorus. The plant does not need nitrogen fertilizers.

Fertilization is required annually in the spring before flowering. Perennial lupins respond well to the introduction of ash and organic matter. If the soil is acidic, then it is recommended to feed the plants dolomite flour. Fertilization - stimulates flowering and is the prevention of many diseases.

Diseases and pests

Seeds and seedlings of culture can be affected by the following pests:

• May beetle larva;
• weevils;
• wireworm;
• caterpillars.

These pests are especially dangerous in the spring, when the plant grows and develops at a slow pace. It is quite problematic to deal with these pests; tillage will be required.

Adult plants can be exposed to such pests:

• thrips;
• scoop;
• moth.

Pest control is the treatment of crops with insecticides.

Perennial lupine has the following diseases:

• various types of rot;
• fusarium;
• mosaic;
• rust.

The fight against diseases is carried out by treating lupins with fungicides. Sick bushes are recommended to be cut to the very root. In some cases, it will be necessary to dig the soil and add lime. Subject to the rules of planting and care, diseases are not terrible for plants.

Care after flowering

For long flowering, it is required to remove wilted inflorescences before they are completely dry.

This is great for stimulating flowering and gives a push for re-blooming in late summer. After the complete end of flowering, it is advisable to cut off not only wilted inflorescences, but also foliage.

Plants need to be well watered in the fall. This will protect the roots from freezing in winter period. Preparation for winter also includes soil mulching. It is advisable to use peat or sawdust as mulch. root collar plants should not be exposed in winter, otherwise the roots will freeze.

Lupine beans

Propagation of lupine seeds and cuttings

Perennial lupine is easily propagated by seeds (including self-sowing) and cuttings.

For propagation by cuttings you will need:

1. choose plants whose age is more than 3 years, but less than 6 years;
2. use cuttings, capturing part of the root collar;
3. renewal buds, which are located at the base of the stem, must be cut with a knife;
4. cuttings are planted in a sandy substrate;
5. when the cuttings take root, they must be transplanted to a permanent place of growth.

Seed collection

In order to propagate perennial lupine with seeds, you need to collect seeds. To do it right, you need collect seeds until the bean fruit cracks when they are not completely dry yet. At this time, the beans have a yellowish color.

The collection of seeds will have to be done in several stages. This collection technique will prevent the beans from cracking and scattering the seeds on their own.

Varieties and popular varieties

In culture, the following varieties of perennial lupine are mainly grown:

• treelike- This is a plant whose height reaches two meters. This is a shrub variety of lupine. The flowering of the species continues throughout summer period. It blooms with bright racemose inflorescences. The color of the flowers of the species is yellow, however, various varieties have been bred with blue, purple and white inflorescences.

• multi-leaved- This is the most popular species grown in garden plots, hardy and unpretentious. height given perennial species does not exceed one and a half meters. The color of the flowers of this variety is blue. However, due to selection work, various colors of racemose inflorescences were obtained.

• Silver- a perennial variety native to Western countries. The leaves are bright green, strongly divided. The inflorescences consist of a large number of small flowers that are bright blue and white in color, the middle of the flower has a reddish tint.

• brevera- a dwarf variety native to North America. It grows as a ground cover crop, forming solid carpets of leaves and inflorescences of blue color with white and yellowish spots. Flowering lasts throughout the summer period.

• Arctic- a perennial variety native to Alaska. It blooms with blue and bright blue flowers. The height of the culture does not exceed 40 cm.

More than 200 varieties of lupine are known, among which there are annuals, for example, narrow-leaved lupine or blue, yellow and white.

Among the variety of varieties of perennial lupine, the following are distinguished:

• Minaret- a bright variety mixture collected from undersized lupins. Plant height does not exceed half a meter. The colors of racemose inflorescences are the brightest and most varied: yellow, red, pink, purple, white, white with pink, yellow with purple, and so on. All shades are very saturated. The variety is used for planting in mixborders, along buildings, fences and in flower beds. The Minaret blooms profusely and intensively from June for a month.

• Russell- Spectacular perennial varietal mixture, resistant to frost. The length of dense racemose inflorescences can reach half a meter. The color of the inflorescence can be monophonic or multi-colored. In the mixture there are bright yellow, blue, pink, purple, white-pink and other lupins.
• Scarlet Sails- differs in bright red coloring of racemose dense inflorescences. The length of the pyramidal inflorescence reaches 40 cm. The variety is used for growing in flower beds, mixborders, as well as for creating beautiful bouquets.

• Countess- perennial varietal variety. The plant has a height of up to 1 meter. Pink pyramidal inflorescences rise above large and bright green leaves, the length of which can reach 50 cm. The flowers are small, often with whitish veins. The diameter of one flower does not exceed 2 cm. The variety is frost-resistant. Suitable for growing on lawns, in flower beds and mixborders, good for cutting.
• blue sails- Another perennial varietal variety of lupine. The culture can grow up to 120 cm in height. Small flowers are collected in large racemose or cone-shaped inflorescences. Flower color is blue-white. The variety is suitable for growing in garden plots.
• Ruler- varietal variety with bright and large inflorescences of blue color. The length of the brushes reaches half a meter. This is a perennial and hardy plant. Its height can reach one meter. The ruler can be grown in flower beds, mixborders, group and single bouquets. And also the plants are great in bouquets.

• Aristocrat- perennial variety of lupine. The height of the culture can reach one meter. At the tops of powerful stems are large inflorescences, which are formed from small flowers of pale white color. Aristocrat prefers a lot sunlight and frost resistant. Suitable for growing on lawns and in flower beds, and also great in bouquets.

• Faust - perennial culture. The height of the variety can reach 80 cm. The variety is distinguished by its love of light and is tolerant of frost. Above the openwork foliage are bright blue with white spots inflorescences of a pyramidal shape, consisting of small flowers. Flowering lasts up to 1 month, with proper care, repeated flowering is possible at the end of the summer period.
• Excitement- perennial varietal mixture. Plants can grow up to 100 cm in height. Small flowers are collected in long and dense brushes of various colors. The variety is suitable for planting in flower beds, mixborders and rabatki.

Thus, varieties and varieties of perennial lupine differ in size and color.

Application in different industries

Long-term lupine is widely used in the economy, medicine and other fields. This is due to its unusual properties.

In medicine

Lupine is known for his medicinal properties. For medicinal purposes, its seeds are commonly used, which include oils and protein.

Lupine seeds are used to treat diseases:

• liver;
• nervous disorders;
• diabetes mellitus.

More often, seeds (oil or decoctions of them) are used for external use.

They contribute:

• rapid healing of wounds, burns;
• acne treatment;
• elimination of dandruff;
• treatment of pathology of the sciatic nerve;
• mitigation of acute inflammatory processes in the joints.

Decoctions from the flour of the seeds of the culture, its leaves and flowers are used to relieve pain during menstruation. And also a decoction is effective for the treatment of worms.

During pregnancy, the use of this remedy is strictly prohibited, as it can provoke a miscarriage.

In plant parts, including seeds, contains toxic substances - alkaloids which have a strong effect on the human body. Before ingestion, you need to be extremely careful.

Healing properties of lupine:

• laxative;
• painkiller;
• tonic;
• antimicrobial;
• anti-inflammatory.

In cooking

For culinary purposes, beans are usually used. They are used to prepare a variety of dishes: soups, vegetable stews, sauces, meat dishes. Oil and flour are made from seeds. Flour suitable for baking and cooking confectionery. The composition of the oil is similar to olive oil.

Beans can be consumed by vegetarians as the protein in them replaces animal protein.

This problem is helped by heat treatment, which destroys the bitterness in the beans.

The beans and seeds of the perennial lupine have long been used in cooking. So, in Japan, these components are included in many national dishes, including soy sauce, tofu cheese and miso soup. And in Germany seeds are used to make ice cream. In Latin America, lupine beans are consumed as often as potatoes.

On the farm

On the farm, perennial lupine is used:

Perennial lupine as green manure

Reasons why lupine is a good green manure:

• Lupine has a powerful and branched root system, which deepens up to 2 meters into the ground, dissolving nutrients located in the depth of the soil, and raising them to the upper layers of the soil.
• Perennial lupine loosens the soil and enriches it with nitrogen.
• Siderat is especially effective when landing on acidic soils ah, since the alkaloids it contains reduce the acidity of the soil.
• Alkaloids also help to improve soil health, fight wireworms, and reduce the chances of developing harmful bacteria.
• The plant provides a high yield.

As siderates are usually used annual varieties lupine, for example, white, yellow or narrow-leaved. White lupine grows to a height of one and a half meters, tolerates drought well - this is the most productive variety and an excellent green manure for acidic soils. However, perennial varieties can also be used effectively.

Conclusion

Perennial lupine will decorate garden plot intense and long flowering. The flowers of the plant are distinguished by bright and saturated colors. Care perennial lupine uncomplicated, it is unpretentious and enduring even in the conditions of central Russia.

Lupine is a wonderful green manure, it differs nearby useful properties, used in medicine, cosmetology, pharmacology and cooking.