How to Plant and Grow False Lupine

False lupine, also called Carolina lupine, is native to the Southeast. Much more tolerant of heat and humidity than true lupine, false lupine blooms for several weeks in spring, sending up erect spikes of showy, bright yellow pea-shape flowers that resemble those of true lupine. Flowers are followed by brown seedpods nestled in the upright, grayish-green foliage. You'll love the sunny spires of yellow flowers and the fingered leaves that catch raindrops and hold them like pearls.

Where to Plant False Lupine

False lupine is a great plant for perennial borders, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, and cutting gardens. It takes its time getting established, so choose its location wisely, but once it does and the long taproot develops fully, it will provide many seasons of bloom from May to June.

False lupine is a favorite among pollinators. Make the most of this quality by planting it—along with other nectar-rich plants—in a wildflower garden that beckons butterflies and bees to your backyard while supplying you with vast quantities of cut flowers.

Note: This plant was formerly known as Thermopsis caroliniana. It is sometimes still sold under that name.

How and When to Plant False Lupine

Sow seeds in the garden when collected in fall or in the spring. Place seeds in a lightly raked bed and cover at a depth of ?-inch. Keep soil moist throughout the germination period.

Set out container-grown plants in the spring after the threat of frost has passed or in early fall. Dig a hole about the same width and depth as the planting container. Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing in the hole. Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.

Space plants about 24 inches apart.

False lupine blooms in late spring or early summer and occasionally requires staking. Keep it standing tall by sinking a tall bamboo stake into the soil alongside the plant. Gently tie the flower spikes to the stake with garden twine.

False Lupine Care Tips

Light

False lupine grows best in full sun or part shade. Plants may get leggy if shade is too deep.

Soil and Water

Plants thrive in average, well-draining soil, but resent being transplanted. It's not too fussy about pH, growing well in a range of 6.0 to 8.0.

Water false lupine regularly after planting until it is well established. Once established, the plant is happy if it gets an average of an inch per week through rainfall or irrigation. Don't overwater, though—the plant can't tolerate standing water.

Temperature and Humidity

False lupine thrives in heat and humidity. This clump-forming perennial is drought-tolerant once established. As a native of the mountainous regions of Appalachia, it can handle cold winters down to Zone 4.

Fertilizer

Fertilize once in early spring using a balanced (such as 10-10-10) granular fertilizer. For the amount to use, follow product label directions.

Pruning

Cut back the flower spike after the blossoms fade to encourage a second round of flowering in the fall. Tidy up the plant after a freeze or in the early spring before new growth begins.

Potting and Repotting False Lupine

False lupine makes a good container plant but it will grow shorter than when grown in the ground. Select a pot with large drainage holes, deep enough to accommodate the long taproot, and use well-draining potting soil. Keep in mind that potted plants, unlike plants in the landscape, require more frequent watering and fertilization.

Despite their hardiness in areas with cold winters, when grown in pots, false lupine are exposed to the cold. As a protective measure, winterize the pots by sinking the container into the ground. You can also place the container in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo that will insulate the roots from the cold.

Pests and Problems

Like most native plants, false lupine is a relatively pest- and problem-free plant. If overcrowding is an issue, you may have a problem with fungal diseases. Thinning the plants should alleviate the issue.

False lupine is not attractive to either deer or rabbits.

How to Propagate False Lupine

To propagate false lupine from seed, allow its seedpods to dry on the plant. Break the pods open to collect seeds, then store them in refrigerated containers. Sow seeds inside about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. It may help to soak the seeds for a few hours before sowing. Place seeds about 1/4-inch deep in moist potting mix in biodegradable pots. Place the pots in bright indirect light and keep moist until germination occurs. When seedlings are study, take them outside to harden off. Plant transplants after the last frost and water them regularly during the first growing season to encourage a strong root system. Be careful where you put them, though; young plants spend so much energy developing strong taproots that they become difficult to move once they're mature.

False lupine can also be propagated via division but be aware that the newly divided plants will recover and establish slowly. Division is best done in the fall. Dig up the root and divide it into smaller sections. Plant them in new locations at the same depth and water them well until you see new growth. It is not unusual for the plant to take a couple of years or longer to get established and bloom.

Types of False Lupine

In addition to Thermopsis villosa, there are other species of false lupine also native to North America, although few of them are cultivated as landscape plants.

Sophia Thermopsis

Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia' is a dwarf false lupine relative that makes a colorful impact in a spring border. The plant features an abundance of large spikes covered with sunny, yellow flowers above leafy stems.

Golden Banner

Thermopsis montana, also known as golden banner, grows best in the cool, moist soil below a tree canopy. In the right conditions, they spread to form large colonies. Long, thin seedheads are covered in downy hair.

Prairie Thermopsis

Shorter and broader than T. montana, Thermopsis rhombifolia lives in the drier prairies and grassy plains. It tolerates sandy soil and hot temperatures. It is often considered a weed in cultivated landscapes.

Spreadfruit Goldenbanner

Thermopsis divaricarpa, also known as Thermopsis pinetorum and spreadfruit goldenbanner, grows to about 40 inches tall in the partial shade of pine forests. Flowers may be yellow or orange.

False Lupine Companion Plants

Consider classic native plants to accompany your false lupine. Here are a few to try and for more options, check with your local extension service about native wildflowers in your area.

Goatsbeard

Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) is an herbaceous perennial native to the northern hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia and relatively easy to grow without much attention. Its fernlike foliage and wispy white bloom lend airiness to gardens and look especially stunning en masse. Its flowers attract butterflies and bees. Zones 3-8

Penstemon

With a rainbow of colors to choose from, penstemons (Penstemon digitalis) are lovely additions to the garden. The diversity of these plants is remarkable, with several hundred species available. Penstemons are tough perennials that stand up to intense growing conditions. From dwarf alpine plants to prairie penstemons reaching up to 5 feet tall, there's a height for every part of the garden. Zones 3-9

Coneflower

Both people and pollinators love coneflower (Echinacea spp). These pretty North American native perennials have seen a resurgence in popularity. Echinacea purpurea, the purple coneflower, is the most commonly found species but new cultivars have greatly expanded both the colors and forms of these tough plants. Zones 3-9

Related: The Elements of Cottage Garden Design

Frequently Asked Questions

Is false lupine a good cut flower?

The flowers of false lupine are excellent options for bouquets. They have a long stem, showy yet compact blooms, and a long vase life.

Is false lupine toxic?

Unlike its namesake, false lupine is not toxic to people or pets.

What's the difference between lupine and false lupine?

While false lupine resembles lupine in flower structure, the plants are not genetically related. False lupines are bushier plants and the flowers are yellow. Lupines are available in more colors such as pink, purple, and white.

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