Fabaceae
Lupinus elatus
Lupinus elatus
Also known as Lupinus formosus var. elatus, Lupinus albicaulis var. elatus
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · California Native · Lupine · Wildflower · Pollinator · Fast Growing · Blue Flowers · Perennial · Fabaceae · Hummingbird Plant · Cottage Garden
Silky lupine is a tall, fast-growing California native perennial that produces elegant violet-blue flower spikes and thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils with moderate moisture. It grows best in partial shade in hot inland areas but can tolerate more sun along the coast. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately, keeping soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; reduce frequency once established · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- sandy loam
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- Temperature
- -40°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 3a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 4 ft
- Spread
- 18 in
- Spacing
- 36 in apart
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Root depth
- Deep
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- California
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Sources: trefle, usda
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