Russell Lupins

In some parts of New Zealand there are large tracts of Russell lupins which grow by the roadsides. Their combinations of blues and pinks are a tourist attraction, and the subject of many bus stops for photographs.

pink and blue russell lupins

I've collected seeds from colours that I like by the road near Arthurs Pass, and thus have grown lupin plants for my own garden. I have a mixture of colours, mainly violets and pinks. Lupins in my garden are treated both as short-lived perennials and annuals, being re-sown annually from seed.

Russell Lupins in the Garden

Beautiful Nuisances

Ecologically speaking these flowers are beautiful nuisances, and they spread along the waterways in the South Island of New Zealand. I try to deadhead my lupins and scatter their seeds where I want them to go, keeping them away from the water race.

Lupins are perennials, but plants do lose vigour, and my method of seed disposal is an attempt to guarantee new stock. I prefer the blue, purple and pink tones.

During a subtle colour phase (all gardeners seem to go through these) I proudly bought some pale lemon coloured plants from a nursery. That patch, planted by Middle Path, disappeared after its first flowering year, and I lived in hope that new pale lemon seedlings would emerge - they didn't.

To increase my collection I also take cuttings of new shoots in spring, pot them up, then wait for them to flower. This is a most successful way to propagate favourite colours of lupins.

I wonder why we in New Zealand call them Russell Lupins. Maybe Mr or Mrs Russell was the person who scattered the original seeds along the southern highways!