Silver bush lupine

Lupinus albifrons

shrubView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Fast; Occurs in a variety of soils.

Size

3–5ft tall, 2–3ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 74 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Coastal scrub and chaparral from Monterey County to San Diego County, below 3000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your silver lupine in full sun in well-drained, sandy soil - nutrient-poor soil is actually what this plant prefers, so skip the compost. The plant tolerates a variety of soil types as long as drainage is fast; if your garden tends to stay wet, amend with sand or gravel before planting. Space according to the plant's mature size of 3–5 feet tall and wide.

After Planting

Water weekly for the first summer to establish the plant, then cut back to a maximum of twice monthly once established - this is a drought-tolerant plant that struggles with too much water. Expect this shrub to be somewhat short-lived, but it will thrive in the right dry conditions; your main mistake will be overwatering, which can kill it quickly. The plant is evergreen and deer resistant, requiring minimal fuss once established.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Crotch's bumblebeeBombus crotchii

Listed under California ESA; range has contracted significantly

CA: Endangered

Arrowhead blue butterflyGlaucopsyche piasus

California Endangered; Species of Special Concern

CA: Endangered, CA Special Concern

Chalcedon CheckerspotEuphydryas chalcedona

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported