Re: lupines

Hi All,

I found the following info on Lupines. Don't know if any if it will help
provide some insight.

Found this at http://www.bigeastern.com/eotp/ep_lupin.htm

"Found in sunny areas of bare sand, lupines thrive in black oak sand
savannas and were very common prior to fire control. Today, homes,
livestock pens, and brush are invading their last strongholds and the
Memorial Day displays of this outstanding and ecologically important
species are becoming a rarity. 

At Big Eastern we've been attempting to preserve and enhance the native
population of lupines for over ten years. We've learned that lupines can
be transplanted successfully as seedlings in early spring, if the tip of
the root is not damaged.

The plants shown on this page demonstrate the variation of pigment seen
in wild populations of this plant, from indigo to pure white along with
a few pink individuals. A large colony in bloom is an impressive and
sweet smelling extravaganza. A large picture (109k) can be seen by
clicking on the "more" triangle at the bottom of this page. 

This roots of this species contain colonies of nitrogen fixing bacteria,
enabling it to thrive in otherwise nutrient poor bare sand. In earlier
days people observed lupines' tendency to colonize sterile areas and
mistakenly concluded that these wildflowers had caused the nutrient
depletion by "wolfing" all of the nutrients from the soil--hence the
name lupine, a dervative of "lupus" which is latin for "wolf.  

The federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly relies on lupinus
perennis as a larval host plant, and for that reason there is
considerable interest in reestablishing colonies lupine. Trying to move
an adult plant is pure folly, but colonies are easy to start from seed,
assuming the location is sandy and sunny, with little competition from
weeds. The seedlings develop a tap root quickly, but can benefit from
watering while they are getting established."

--------

And then from http://www.charlestonmarket.com/perennialhouse/lupine.htm

"Blooms May – June. Boldly colored, densely packed, 3 foot flower
spikes. Sturdy, base-branching habit. Foliage is attractive, too.
Culture is not difficult once an appropriate site has been found.
Ideally a rich soil in full sun in a cool climate is best, but failing
that, the plants may be sited in light shade, and out of the mid-day
sun. Even moisture is important." 

---------

Another site shows a picture from Newaygo County Michigan with a field
of Lupines and the habitat info as "dry sand prairie/disturbed sandy
field".

This site talks about Wild Lupines and provides a map showing what part
of the country they grow in. 
http://www.for.msu.edu/student/lisa/research.htm

The more I search the more contradictions I find. Sand, rich soil, sun,
shade to part shade....

Did find a site with this to say - "best in higher elevations with
cooler summer temperatures. z5-7"

--------

One last site http://botany.com/lupinus.html

POTTING: The Lupines grow best in well-drained, sandy soil that is
preferably slightly acidic. Garden soil should be dug deeply and
enriched with compost or decayed manure. They should be placed in a
sunny or partially shaded position. In deep, rich soil that doesn't dry
out in the summer, Lupines will quickly grow into large, handsome
plants. The young leaves of these plants are very susceptible to slugs.
Deadhead to maintain vigor. Tree Lupines need to be planted in a sunny,
sheltered position. They should be pruned every year or else they will
become straggly. The best months to prune are February and March. The
shoots of the past
year's growth should be shortened by one-third or one-half, as may be
necessary to maintain shapely bushes and to prevent their crowding other
plants. Tree Lupines do not like to be disturbed, therefore they should
be set in their final positions while young. 

PROPAGATION: Cuttings of non-flowering side shoots may be taken in the
spring or early summer. Seeds may be sown singly in 3-inche pots of
sandy loam in a cold or slightly heated greenhouse or frame in March.
They will be large enough to plant out in May. Many of them will produce
small spikes of flowers in late summer. Seeds may also be sown directly
outside in July in rows an inch deep and a foot apart. They will bloom
the following year. 

OK, I'll stop!!

Karen

ECPep@aol.com wrote:
> 
> In a message dated 6/7/00 8:21:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Blee811@aol.com
> writes:
> 
> << My 3-year plants don't self seed, at least they haven't yet.  They're full
> of
>  seed pods right now, but they've had pods before too.  Bob, do you do
>  anything special with the seeds or let the plants take care of themselves?
>  Both of my plants are pink.
>  Bill Lee >>
> 
> I have been round and round with lupines.  I do think the cooler the zone the
> better the plant.  You can see gone-wild fields of them in Vermont.

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