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Lupines: do they require dividing?

Posted by green_go z5a (My Page) on
Mon, Jun 2, 14 at 21:38

I have a wonderful 3-year old white lupine growing in my garden. Last year, it was covered in flower spikes. This year, however, even though the plant still looks large and lush and green, it has just 2 flower spikes. Is it grown too large and requires division? Or is it just old and needs replacement?
Here is the last year's picture of my lupine:
 photo DSC05087_zps935748b3.jpg


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Lupines: do they require dividing?

Lupines can be finicky but they seldom need (and typically resent) division. Generally they prefer being left alone to thrive where they're planted. If they're happy, chances are good they'll return year after year. If not, they'll disappear.

Once I plant lupines, I leave them alone to do as they choose to do without interference from me. That seems to suit both of us.

BTW, I checked my perennial reference guide, Perennials for Every Purpose by Larry Hodgson. He basically says the same about lupine as I did above.


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RE: Lupines: do they require dividing?

in z5 MI ... i never considered them a long lived perennial ...

they did reseed very sporadically ... usually to white ...

its been a long time.. and i never had a lot ... but i would keep adding to the group.. if you want to maintain the colony long term ...

ken


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RE: Lupines: do they require dividing?

I agree with everything above. They have a taproot that goes very deep. I typically get lots of volunteers. Try saving some seed or clearing an area of mulch and direct sowing.

Martha


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RE: Lupines: do they require dividing?

Those are gorgeous!


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RE: Lupines: do they require dividing?

Gorgeous!. When the seed pods start to dry out and twist, grab some of the seeds and tuck into the soil around your planting area...or save the seeds and start a tray in feb-march....you will get a better percentage of baby 'starts'...a bit better than nature does.

Of course i'm speaking of the wild variety but have had success with both...


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