Origin
Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus, commonly known as bush lupine, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to the west coast of North America, ranging from British Columbia to California.
Common Names
Bush lupine has a few other common names, depending on the region it is found in. Some of these include beach lupine, coastal bush lupine, and dwarf lupine.
Uses
Bush lupine is primarily used for ecological restoration projects due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and improve soil fertility. It is also used for erosion control and as a food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
Bush lupine is a small evergreen shrub that typically grows up to three feet tall. It has narrow, finely divided leaves that are arranged in a circular pattern around its stem. The plant produces clusters of blue or purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are followed by 3-4 inch-long seed pods that contain several seeds each.
Growth conditions of Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus
Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus, commonly known as Bush lupine, is a shrubby perennial plant that is native to California (USA). This plant species is found in a wide range of habitats, from coastal sand dunes to inland hillsides, preferring open, well-drained soils.
Light requirements
Bush lupine requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth, although it can tolerate some shade. In situations with more shade, the plant will produce fewer flowers and a weaker root system.
Temperature requirements
Bush lupine is adapted to a mediterranean-type climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It does best when grown in areas with average temperatures ranging from 45 to 85°F (7 to 29°C). This plant is also tolerant to salt and coastal conditions.
Soil requirements
Bush lupine requires well-drained soil with good aeration and moderate amounts of fertility. It is adapted to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It has a moderately deep root system, and it can grow in soils with low to moderate water-holding capacity.
Cultivation methods
Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus, commonly known as bush lupine, is a perennial shrub that is native to California. It is typically propagated through seed, and is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. Bush lupine prefers cool, coastal climates and is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 10.
Watering needs
Bush lupine requires regular watering during its growing season, which is typically from early spring to late summer. It prefers moist but not wet soil, so make sure the soil surface dries out between watering sessions. Reduce watering during the dormant period to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Bush lupine doesn't require regular fertilization if the soil is nutrient-rich. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing during the flowering season to prevent over-fertilization.
Pruning
Bush lupine benefits from occasional pruning to promote bushy growth and maintain its shape. Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. You can also cut back one-third of the plant's height at this time, but avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant.
Propagation of Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus
Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus, also known as bush lupine, is a North American species that belongs to the genus Lupinus. It can be propagated by various methods that include seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division of root clumps.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used for Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus. The best time to collect seeds is late summer or early fall when the seed pods begin to dry on the plant.
The collected seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place until planting time. Stratification is essential for Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus seeds to germinate. Therefore, the seeds must be kept in a refrigerator for about two weeks before planting.
The soil mix for planting seeds should be well-drained and fertile. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/8 inch and kept moist until they germinate, which typically occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus can also be done through stem cuttings. This method is best during the growing season (summer).
To propagate with stem cuttings, select a healthy stem from the current season's growth and cut a section that contains a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three leaves, and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium and keep it moist until it develops roots.
After about four to six weeks, the cutting will have rooted and will be ready to be transplanted into a new container or in-ground.
Propagation by Division of Root Clumps
In this method, the plant is divided into smaller plantlets, each with its own roots, and replanted into the preferred planting location. This method is best performed during the fall season when plants are going dormant or in early spring when they are just beginning to emerge from dormancy.
To divide Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus, carefully dig up the plant and separate the root clumps with a sharp knife or spade. Ensure that each plantlet has enough roots and leaves to sustain it. Replant the divided Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus plants at the desired location.
Propagation of Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus can be done successfully using any of these methods. With proper care and maintenance, the newly propagated plants should establish themselves well and grow to their full potential.
Disease Management
Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus can be affected by various diseases, including:
- Lupin anthracnose: caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lupini, this disease causes dark, sunken spots on leaves and stems, which may expand and girdle the stem. To manage this disease, it is important to use disease-free seed, rotate crops, and remove and destroy infected plants.
- Lupinosis: this disease affects the liver of livestock that consume infected Lupinus species. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overgrazing, remove and destroy infected plants, and provide other forage for livestock.
- Phytophthora root rot: caused by the fungus-like organism Phytophthora megasperma, this disease causes wilted, yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is important to plant in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Lupinus arbustus Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. arbustus can also be affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: these small, soft-bodied insects can cause curled or distorted leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is important to use insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and remove heavily infested plants.
- Cutworms: the larvae of moths, cutworms can sever the stem of young plants and cause wilting. To manage cutworms, it is important to remove plant debris and plow the soil in the fall to disrupt their life cycle, use collars around young plants, and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to the soil.
- Thrips: these tiny insects can cause silvering of leaves and distortion of flowers. To manage thrips, it is important to use insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce natural predators like lacewings, and remove heavily infested plants.
