A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Landscape trials and triumphs Gardening in the Shade Getting lupins to grown and spread

I have tried to grow lupins and get them to spread and naturalize at the edge/driveway of our property.But they do not establish and do not come back.I love the look of a mass of pink/purple lupins but have been unable to get them to thrive.Any help out there is greatly appreciated.

Hi and welcome!

You haven't said where you live? It's been my experience that lupins like cooler weather. When I lived in Alaska, they were all over, but here in NY in zone 6 I am not able to grow them, and don't really see them for sale or in other's gardens here either.

Yes, it is too hot for most lupines to grow here except some desert varieties.

Hi I live in Thunder Bay ,ON Canada -zone4.Alot of other people have them growing along their country roadside properties.

Yes that should fill the zone requirements.
Please check here for the rest of what they need.

Given that lupin seeds have the full range of essential amino acids and that they, contrary to soy, can be grown in more temperate to cool climates, lupins are becoming increasingly recognized as a cash crop alternative to soy.

Lupins make good companion plants for crops that need significant amounts of nitrogen in their soil and can be intercropped properly, like cucumbers, squash, broccoli, and spinach.