Bolander's milkvetch (Astragalus bolanderi)

Also known as: Bolander's milkvetch

Lupine is a hardy perennial plant that flourishes in rocky, mountainous areas. It features pinnately compound leaves and clusters of small, pea-like flowers in various shades of purple or blue. With a robust root system, lupine can endure tough, arid environments. As a member of the legume family, it enhances soil quality by fixing nitrogen.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Bolander's milkvetch

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20-60 cm

Spread

N/A

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Flower Color

Purple to lavender

Images of Bolander's milkvetch

Quickly Identify Bolander's milkvetch

Can be identified by its pinnately compound leaves, usually with 15-21 leaflets, and its clusters of purple to lavender flowers. The plant often has a hairy or downy appearance on stems and leaves.

Scientific Classification of Bolander's milkvetch

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Milkvetch

Species

Bolander's milkvetch

Planting and Growing of Bolander's milkvetch

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Bolander's milkvetch?

Astragalus bolanderi requires about 500 ml of water during each watering session. Ensure the soil is damp but not waterlogged. This plant thrives when the top inch of soil is dry before the next watering. The root system needs adequate moisture without being submerged in standing water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Bolander's milkvetch? ›

What should I do if my Bolander's milkvetch is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Bolander's milkvetch? ›

How to save an overwatered Bolander's milkvetch? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Bolander's milkvetch?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Ideally experiencing partial to full sun, Astragalus bolanderi benefits greatly from sustained sunlight, which promotes healthy growth and robust flowering. Suitable light exposure increases its resilience and enhances its aesthetic appeal.

What is the ideal sunlight exposure? ›

How can I ensure it gets the right sun exposure? ›

What benefits does ideal light provide? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Bolander's milkvetch?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Astragalus bolanderi is between 60°F and 75°F. Maintaining temperatures within this range ensures optimal growth and health. Slight deviations on occasion are acceptable, but prolonged exposure outside this range can affect the plant’s development.

What Soil is Best for Bolander's milkvetch?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Astragalus bolanderi thrives in well-drained soil conditions. Efficient drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Proper drainage ensures healthy root systems and overall vigorous plant growth. This plant prefers soils with moderate fertility. Overly fertile soils can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production. Balanced fertility encourages optimal blooming and plant health. A neutral to slightly acidic pH range benefits Astragalus bolanderi, as it ensures nutrient availability and optimal physiological processes. Maintaining this pH promotes the plant's resilience and adaptability.

How to Fertilize Bolander's milkvetch?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Astragalus bolanderi, it is essential to follow a balanced approach to fertilization to avoid nutrient burn or deficiency. Use a 10-10-10 NPK liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength. Apply 100-150 ml of the diluted solution per plant, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.

How to Prune Bolander's milkvetch?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by removing any dead or diseased branches to improve air circulation. Cut back overgrown twigs to maintain a compact shape. Make angled cuts just above a node to encourage new growth. Ensure not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Over-pruning can stress Astragalus bolanderi, resulting in reduced flowering and stunted growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Bolander's milkvetch plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring

Fill the seed trays with sterilized potting mix and moisten it slightly. Spread the seeds evenly over the surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Ensure that the seeds are not buried too deep to facilitate germination.

Water the seeds carefully to avoid washing them away. Use a spray bottle or a fine mist spray to keep the soil moist. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure that the soil does not dry out during the germination process.

Once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Handle the seedlings gently to avoid damaging the delicate roots, ensuring the continued growth and establishment of the plant.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Bolander's milkvetch plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Astragalus bolanderi shows signs of needing repotting when its roots begin to protrude from the drainage holes or the growth becomes stunted. Moving it during Spring or Summer allows for optimal rooting in its new environment.

Select a pot that is one or two sizes larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. The increased space nurtures healthy root expansion and prevents waterlogging, crucial for this plant's health.

Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix. This type of soil mimics its natural habitat, ensuring adequate moisture retention while preventing root rot, thus fostering robust growth.

Toxicity

ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.