White Lupin
lupinus albus
Also known as: ["White Lupine","Lupin Blanc"]
Overview
A leguminous plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its white flowers and nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Lupinus |
| Botanical Name: | Lupinus albus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a houseplant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; supplement with grow lights if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; stem cuttings can also be used for some varieties.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Sow seeds or take cuttings.
- Maintain moisture and warmth.
- Transplant once established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from drafts.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional for seeds but recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; cuttings root in 3–6 weeks and may take several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, heat mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster germination; thin seedlings as needed.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming; occasional shaping to maintain form.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead flowers; trim damaged growth; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to support growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; allow water to penetrate deeply; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in severe frost.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during freezes.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, flowers may drop prematurely, and growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to soil, not foliage; flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are also sensitive to the alkaloids in Lupinus albus, which can induce severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Due to their small size, even small amounts may be harmful.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to the quinolizidine alkaloids in Lupinus albus, which can cause significant gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The toxic dose varies by dog size and health status, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLupinus albus contains quinolizidine alkaloids, primarily lupanine, which are toxic to humans. Ingestion can lead to neurological and gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as potential organ damage. The toxicity is dose-dependent, with severe effects occurring at higher concentrations.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is White Lupin edible?
A: Yes, the seeds are edible when properly prepared, but they contain alkaloids that can be toxic if not cooked.
Q: Does Lupinus albus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is White Lupin toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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