Lupine as an ornamental plant is a popular part of landscape design creations. In addition, its use in the food and pulp and paper industries, as well as for the production of cosmetics and medical products, soaps, plastics and other things, is frequent.
This unique plant has many varieties, among which are annuals, biennials and perennials. The article focuses on a multi-leaf lupine, a general description of the species, features of planting and caring for them.
- Description of the species
- Popular varieties
- Where to plant a plant?
- Location and lighting
- Soil type for lupins
- Breeding
- Seed
- Vegetative
- Care rules
- Weeding and soil care
- Top dressing
Description of the species
Lupine (Lat. Lupinus polyphyllus) is an unpretentious perennial type of ornamental horticulture plants. Representatives of this species have straight stems with palmate leaves, large candle-shaped inflorescences (lupine flowers resemble brushes) and reach 1.5 m in height. Their root system penetrates the ground at 1.5-2 m. This plant belongs to the legume family. Its fruit is a bean with seeds (up to 45 pcs.) Of irregular shape. Visually the lupine is represented in the photo.
Popular varieties
Florists give the following benefits of multi-leaf varieties:
- "Gallery Red";
- "Tutti Frutti";
- "Fräulein";
- "Gladiator";
- "Persian Slipper";
- "Manhattan Lights";
- "Saffron".
One of the most popular varieties - "Gallery Red". The plant, preferring fertile, loose soil and sunlight, blooms twice a year - June, August. Its height is 50-55 cm. The variety "Fräulein" is a culture with soft pink and white buds, which bloom from June to August. As well as plants of the variety "Gallery Red", its representatives prefer open and sunny terrain.
For lovers of the sun are representatives of the varieties "Gladiator" and "Saffron". The latter have bright yellow inflorescences. For representatives of the same variety "Gladiator" characteristic salmon-yellow color and a height of 60 cm.
In the same period, flowering of plants with yellow-purple inflorescences, which belong to the variety "Manhattan Lights". They have a height of about 60 cm. Multi-leaved lupine does not require special conditions, but the question of how to plant it properly still arises.
Where to plant a plant?
Despite the simplicity of the plant, it is worthwhile to approach the choice of a place for planting it wisely. Each of the varieties has its own preferences for lighting and soil, but there are also general recommendations for all.
Location and lighting
As a rule, this crop is planted in spring (April - the first decade of May) or in autumn. Plants are best planted in sunny areas. Penumbra is also a good option for their landing. But in a too dark place, these representatives of the legumes will not take root. Land for spring planting is prepared in the fall.
Soil type for lupins
The plant is characterized and unpretentiousness to the soil. The main requirement is a fresh and loose soil. Pre-enrichment of the soil with fertilizers will have a positive effect on the flowering of decorative crops. Ideal for a multi-leaf lupine - slightly alkaline or slightly acid, loamy or sandy soil. The excessively acidic soil must be aggravated (to make dolomite or lime flour), otherwise the plant will weaken and its leaves will have a pale color. A repeated liming procedure may be needed only after 5 years. Alkaline soils must be digged with peat, otherwise the planted crop will suffer from leaf chlorosis (a disease in which the leaves of the plant turn yellow).
Breeding
Lupins reproduce by using seeds or cuttings, as a result of which experts distinguish two types:
- seed reproduction;
- vegetative reproduction.
Seed
During the period of ripening, the fruits of the legume are cracked, and the seeds are spread by the wind over the surrounding area and subsequently germinate (leaves with stomata appear).To get seedlings, you must initially prepare and fertilize the soil with peat, turf soil and sand. Acceleration of the growth of azo-absorbing bacteria can be achieved by mixing the seeds of lupine with the shredded root of an adult plant.
Vegetative
The cutting method can be applied only to three-year-old lupins. Shrubs, which are already 5-6 years old, are not ideal material for vegetative reproduction due to the lack of lateral buds. However, if using a knife to cut the kidneys near the base of the stem (with a part of the root collar) and plant in the sandy soil in the shade, in a month the root will have a cutting and it will be ready for transplanting to a permanent place.It is best to cut the buds renewed immediately after summer flowering.
Care rules
Usually there are no difficulties with this culture. Weeding and feeding are the main components of plant care.
Weeding and soil care
Like other ornamental crops, lupins need periodic soil loosening, moderate watering, weeding, hilling and support (for high and hybrid plants, during strong gusts of wind and other conditions). The support can be wooden pegs. An adult plant needs the following activities:
- pruning wilted and faded flowers;
- ground insulation for the winter (usually with sawdust and peat);
- disease prevention.
Top dressing
In early spring, before the culture has entered the flowering phase, it is necessary to apply fertilizer to the soil. Consumption of superphosphate and potassium chloride per 1 square. m is about 15-20 g and 3-5 g, respectively. A good option for fertilizing - nitrogen fertilizers. Be careful with the dosage! Do not forget about organic fertilizers. Ash will also be useful for a multi-leaf lupine (a couple of spoons under each bush). For sandy soil, magnesium and dolomite flour will be an excellent fertilizer.