Oak Ridge Lupine Lupinus diffusus

Skyblue Lupine is a beautiful, flowering, herbaceous perennial in the bean family. Native habitats include scrub, coastal strands, sandhills and pine flat woods of the south east. Here in North Carolina, it only grows in the southern coastal and coastal plains areas. It is an ornamental plant with lovely pea-like blue flowers in early spring with hairy velvety leaves.

Skyblue 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.

Seeds can lie dormant for years, waiting for just the right conditions to germinate. However, It is very difficult to transplant due to a deep taproot and it doesn't like being moved at all. This makes it very difficult for commercial growers as the seeds do not like being started in pots. So it may be best to just enjoy it 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.