Arctic lupine (Lupinus arcticus)

Also known as: Arctic lupine

Arctic lupine (Lupinus arcticus), part of the legume family, produces tall spikes of pea-like flowers from a robust taproot. Seeds of this plant were once believed to be the oldest viable seeds ever found. However, carbon dating later disproved this, revealing the seeds were much younger than initially thought.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Arctic lupine

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 38 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.02 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

Purple Blue

Images of Arctic lupine

Quickly Identify Arctic lupine

Lupinus arcticus can be identified by its dense clusters of blue to purple flowers, palmate leaves with 5-9 leaflets, and upright growth habit. It often has a woolly texture due to the fine hairs covering the plant.

Scientific Classification of Arctic lupine

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Lupines

Species

Arctic lupine

Planting and Growing of Arctic lupine

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 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 Arctic lupine?

Lupinus arcticus, a resilient plant adapted to chilly climates, requires careful watering. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, indicating a balance is struck during irrigation. Water thoroughly until excess begins to drain from the bottom of the container.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Arctic lupine? ›

What should I do if my Arctic lupine is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Arctic lupine? ›

How to save an overwatered Arctic lupine? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Arctic lupine?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Lupinus arcticus thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial sun. Optimal light enhances photosynthesis, promoting healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Regular 6 to 8 hours of light exposure is ideal for ensuring the plant's sustained health and visual appeal.

How much light does Lupinus arcticus need? ›

What if the plant gets too little sunlight? ›

How should the plant be positioned for ideal sunlight? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Arctic lupine?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

For optimal growth of Lupinus arcticus, the temperature should typically range between 60°F to 75°F. This range supports efficient photosynthesis, essential metabolic activities, and overall healthy vegetative growth.

What Soil is Best for Arctic lupine?

Soil type: Loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lupinus arcticus thrives in well-drained soils, preventing root rot and ensuring better air circulation for roots, promoting healthy plant growth. This plant prefers soil with moderate fertility. Excess nutrients may lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers, so balanced fertility is ideal. Maintaining adequate moisture without waterlogging supports the plant's growth and bloom sizes, enhancing its overall vitality.

How to Fertilize Arctic lupine?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lupinus arcticus requires moderate fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength to avoid nutrient overload. Apply approximately 100 ml per plant base each time you fertilize. This ensures that the nutrients are sufficient to support its growth without causing harm.

How to Prune Arctic lupine?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by identifying any dead or diseased stems. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut these back to healthy tissue. It's vital to promote good air circulation for Lupinus arcticus, which can help prevent fungal issues. Trim back the plant's shoots to maintain a bushy and compact form. Make cuts just above a leaf node to encourage new growth. Ensure that you remove any spent flower stalks to redirect energy into new blooms. After flowering, cut back up to one-third of the plant. This drastic measure may seem bold, but it invigorates the plant, inducing robust growth and more vibrant flowers in subsequent seasons. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Arctic lupine plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Begin by scarifying the seeds. Lupinus arcticus seeds have a hard outer coating that benefits from scarification to promote faster germination. This can be achieved by gently rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or soaking them overnight in warm water.

Sow the scarified seeds about 0.5 inches deep in the seed trays filled with a sterile potting mix. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Cover the trays with a plastic lid or place them in a greenhouse to maintain humidity and warmth.

Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted. Carefully move them outdoors to a sunny spot in the garden, ensuring each seedling is spaced at least 18 inches apart for optimal growth.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Arctic lupine plant?

Repotting frequency: Biennially or as needed

Lupinus arcticus shows signs to repot when its roots start peeking out from drainage holes. Another indication could be the plant's growth slowing down considerably, as it signals root congestion. Best to do it in the fresh bloom of spring when the plant can safely establish itself in a new environment.

Opt for a pot that's about 2 inches wider than the current one. This allows room for root growth without overwhelming the plant with excess soil, which can hold too much water. Ensure it has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, a crucial step to keep root rot at bay.

Use a well-drained, sandy loam soil enriched with organic compost. This mixture allows for adequate moisture retention and aeration while providing essential nutrients. It imitates the plant's natural habitat, helping to foster healthier 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.