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Collared Annual Lupine

Lupinus truncatus

annual View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

Fast, Medium, Slow; Adaptable. Tolerates serpentine soil..

Size

1–2ft tall , 1–1ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 74 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Central Valley and Sierra foothills from Shasta County to Kern County, below 2500 ft elevation, in grasslands and oak woodlands.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Collared Annual Lupine in full sun with fast to medium drainage soil; it's adaptable and even tolerates serpentine soil, so drainage matters more than soil type. Plant in fall or early winter to catch the natural flowering season (winter through spring). Space plants about 12 inches apart to give them room to develop their compact 1- to 2-foot form. This is an annual, so you're starting fresh each year - direct seed or transplant in September through November for best results.

After Planting

Water moderately after planting to establish the plant, then cut back to no more than twice a month once established. Since this is an annual that flowers in winter and spring, expect it to decline as temperatures warm in late spring and summer - this is normal dormancy, not a sign of failure. The main mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; these plants evolved in dry chaparral and need well-draining soil and infrequent water to thrive.

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