Lupinus polyphyllus ‘The Pages’ (Russel lupin cultivar)
 
Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
Family: Fabaceae
 
Light Preference: Sun to part shade
Moisture Preference: Well drained soil - but tolerant
Height: 1m
Growth Habit: Medium tall perennial with branching multi-stemmed flower heads
Flowering season: Late spring - early summer (can repeat flower if dead-headed)
Planting Use: Mass plantings, prairie style plantings, cottage gardens, cut flower
 
Description: A beautiful clump forming hardy perennial with soft lush palmate leaves, and up right spiked racemes of a complex and vibrant brick pink. Prefers well drained but moist soil, but not fussy at all, and full sun to part shade.  Often flowers in the first year but will really perform in it’s second season.
 
Notes on Cutting: Never having had much time for lupins as cut flowers, I was blown away by the colour and sheer volume of repeat flowers this powerhouse produces when continually cut! They also flower at a very useful time of year, after the spring flowers but before the summer ones come on. Cut in the cool of the day, when a third of the raceme is open and hydrate well.