Hardy perennial. Large umbrella-like leaves and tall spike with opulent, pea-like flowers up the length. The name Lupin comes from "lupus" - wolf; the Romans believed Lupins took away the fertility for the soil, just as the wolf takes away creatures. However, this is not the case with the Lupin, they actually add nitrogen to the soil. For this reason, annual Lupins are grown as a crop plant to be cut down when mature and dug back into the soil to rot and add goodness. Indeed, plants near to Lupins tend to thrive.

Farmers would use Lupins to treat scab in animals. Seeds ground to a powder were used for gangrene and skin complaints.

Removing the first flush of flowers will result in more appearing later in the summer.

Plant in well-drained, non-acid soil in April. Likes full sun or light shade.

Cut down dead flower spikes straight after flowering and cut back any foliage troubled by mildew. The Lupin aphid is a nuisance. These aphids are whitish-grey and live on the spikes and under leaves. They are usually in vast numbers and so are too many to pick off by hand (unless you are very patient!). You could try a soap-based insecticide.

> CAUTION - HARMFUL IF EATEN

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