Pink and bicolour spikes
Pink is among the most popular colours in garden lupins. Many spikes are two-toned, with pink standards and white wings, as in the long-time favourite 'The Chatelaine'. Others range from baby pink to deep rose. Their colour holds better in cooler weather than in strong sun.
Garden ideas
- Pair pink lupins with white foxgloves and blue delphiniums for a classic cottage border.
- Add roses behind them, since both enjoy sun and similar soil.
- Tuck low catmint in front to cover the lupin's bare lower stems.
Cultivation notes
Prepare a bed with plenty of drainage and avoid rich soil, since lupins fix their own nitrogen. Plant seedlings in autumn in mild districts and early spring in colder ones, so roots can settle before warm weather. Keep slugs and snails in check, and watch for aphids on the flower stems. Powdery mildew often shows in humid weather, and good airflow helps prevent it.
Where pink lupins are happiest
The best displays come from Tasmania, the Victorian ranges, Canberra and the cool tablelands, with flowering between October and December. They are not reliable in the tropical north or in humid Brisbane.
Safe handling
Lupin seeds and pods contain toxic alkaloids. Keep them away from children and animals, and cut the flower stems before pods ripen. For a suspected poisoning, call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26.
