Lady Lupine is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the bean family found only in extremely well-drained sandy habitats, most commonly in open sandhills in the southeastern United States. It is difficult to grow commercially due to its deep taproot and its dislike of being moved. Lady Lupine is an ornamental plant with lovely pea-like blue flowers in early spring with hairy velvety leaves. This lupine blooms profusely the third year of life with spikes of lovely blooms; however, the plants rarely live a forth year. Lady Lupine does best in sandy, slightly acidic, dry, well-drained soils in full sun. While full sun encourages the best flowering, the plants appreciate some light afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Plants grow well in the cool summers, but in the heat and humidity of USDA Zones 7 through 9, it may be best to grow them as annuals. It can be a finicky plant to grow, but full sun and well-drained sandy soil are essential. The native southern lupines are becoming endangered in some areas and have been declining over the past several decades. According to the North Carolina Native Plant Society, Lady Lupine plants are limited to just 5 to 10 sites now and it is listed as a significantly rare species. It is best to admire this plant in its native habitat and help preserve that habitat. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Powdery mildew can be a problem, but good air circulation helps. More information on Lupinus .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Very Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Soft
Leaf size
3-6 inches long
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
2 to 6 inch hairy elliptical leaves that are held upward.
Flower color
Blue; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Raceme; Spike
Flower shape
Lipped
Flower detail
The pea-like blooms are lavender-blue with a reddish-purple spot on the upper petal. The 2 lower petals are fused. They are borne on 4-7 inch spikes in terminal clusters. Blooms from April to May.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Legume
Fruit detail
The fruit is an elongated, flattened pod. Displays from June to August.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Southeastern North America
Distribution
North Carolina south to Florida and west to Louisiana.
Wildlife value
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Of special interest to bumble bees.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Hummingbirds; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds