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Cobb Mountain Lupine

Lupinus sericatus

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

moderate

Soil

Fast; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as adequate drainage is provided.

Size

0–1ft tall

Bloom

Mar-May

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 74 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Chaparral of Sonoma and Lake Counties (Cobb Mountain area), 2500-4500 ft elevation

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Cobb Mountain Lupine in full sun with fast-draining soil - this is non-negotiable, as poor drainage is where most plantings fail. Space it about 12–18 inches from other plants, since it reaches roughly half a meter tall. Spring is your best planting window (March through May, when it blooms). This lupine tolerates a variety of soil types as long as drainage is excellent, so amend heavy clay with compost or perlite before planting.

After Planting

Water moderately through your first summer to establish the plant, tapering off as fall approaches. Once established, this is a fairly low-maintenance perennial that doesn't require much fussing - just ensure it never sits in wet soil. The plant is deer resistant, so you won't need to protect it from browsing. Expect it to bloom in spring (March–May) and treat it as a perennial; the data doesn't specify pruning needs, so let it grow naturally unless you see dead wood to remove.

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