Gallery Blue Lupine

Lupine is the perennial that helps to bridge the seasons between spring blooming bulbs and summer blooming perennials. Gallery Blue is a beautiful solid colored Lupine that has shades of blue to purple on each flower spike. Gallery Blue also is a dwarf variety of the more common Russel Lupine. The shorter size and compact blooms will make this perennial useful at the front of a Cottage Garden bed or in a container as part of a mixed seasonal display. Gallery Blue is not only a vigorous grower, it has stronger pest and disease resistance than older varieties. Mildew, deer and rabbits are not a problem. Butterflies, hummingbirds and native bees are all attracted to the tasty nectar. Lupines look great when planted in large groups to highlight a single color. Gallery Blue Lupine Care Gallery Blue Lupine likes to be planted in full sun. It will tolerate part shade or early/late shade, but a sunnier spot will help to keep aphids from attacking. A soil pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline is perfect for keeping Lupines vigorous growers. Watering lupines can sometimes be tricky. They do not like overhead watering and definitely need water early in the day so that they do not develop mildew diseases. Using a soaker hose around the plants and mulching with organic compost will help these perennials to establish well and healthy. Lupines are very low maintenance perennials that multiply and come back every year. Deadheading these prolific seeders will help to keep new plants in check. They are also perfect for naturalizing a large area if you choose to not cutback seed heads. Fertilizing in the early spring with a well balanced, slow release food will keep the beautiful blooms coming. Gallery Blue Lupine Spacing Gallery Blue is a more compact variety and can be planted closer together. An overall height of 18-24 inches and a width of 15-18 inches. Planting at 12 inches, center on center, is recommended. Container planting is a great option for the smaller garden. A pot of at least 12 inches in diameter will be needed.