silvery lupine
Lupinus argenteus
USDA zones5 to 10
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus) is a perennial for low maintenance beds, ground cover, and meadow plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Violet, pea-like flowers form showy spikes up to 8 inches long above silvery-green leaves. It spreads quickly to form colonies, so give it room. Silvery lupine is an important food source for butterflies.
Pairs well with Bowman's root, Heavy Metal switchgrass, and Elfin mother of thyme.
Native range
AZ, CA, CO, ID, and 12 more places. See all 16
AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, UT, WA, and WY; AB.