sundial lupine
Lupinus perennis
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Blue to purple pea-like flowers rise in tall upright clusters. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms, and birds eat the seeds. Like other lupines, it fixes nitrogen and enriches the soil.
Pairs well with Little bluestem, Butterfly milkweed, and Rough gayfeather.
Native range
AL, CT, DC, DE, and 27 more places. See all 31
AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV; NB, and ON.