Overview:
Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis, commonly known as the dwarf lupine, is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant with beautiful blue to purplish flowers in early summer. The plant is native to North America and is found in the western regions of the United States and Canada. It belongs to the family of Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae, and tribe Genisteae.Description:
Dwarf lupine is a small plant that grows up to 20-40 cm tall, with a 30 cm wide spread. It has a fern-like foliage with palmately compound leaves that are divided into 5-7 leaflets. The leaflets are lanceolate, about 1.5-3 cm long, and have a bluish-green color. In early summer, the plant produces showy racemes of blue to purplish-blue flowers that are around 2 cm long. Each raceme contains up to 10 flowers. The flowers have a distinctive "keel" shape with an upright banner, wing-shaped petals, and a curved lower petal. The plant has a taproot system that can reach up to 30 cm.Uses:
The dwarf lupine has several uses, including its use in landscaping, gardening, and restoration projects. Due to its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers, it is often planted as a decorative plant in gardens, rock gardens, and borders. Additionally, it is a popular plant for habitat restoration projects as it helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. The plant is also a good source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insect pollinators.Cultivation:
Dwarf lupine grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It prefers moist but not wet soil conditions and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant can be propagated from seeds, which can be sown directly in the garden in the fall or early spring. The plant can also be propagated by dividing the clumps in the fall or early spring. To ensure the plant's longevity, it is important to cut back the flowers after they have bloomed and to mulch the plant in late fall to protect it from frost.Light Conditions
Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis prefers full sun exposure, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot and dry climates.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows well in a wide range of temperatures, ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.6°C). They prefer cooler temperatures, especially during the night. Extremely high temperatures can cause stress, leading to the plant's death.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, enriched with organic matter. It can tolerate a soil pH range from 5.0 to 7.5. This plant species does not grow well in heavy clay soil, which can cause standing water and root rot. It is essential to maintain adequate moisture in the soil, as this plant species does not tolerate drought well.
Cultivation
Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis grows well in well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 8.5. The plant requires full sunlight to thrive. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in the early spring or fall. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. In areas with hot climates, it is advisable to plant the lupine in partial shade to prevent it from drying out.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering; however, the soil should not be soaked as it may lead to root rot. The first inch of soil should be moist at all times. If the plant is well established, it can withstand drought conditions but it is still recommended to water it regularly.
Fertilization
Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis does not require fertilization as it can fix its nitrogen. However, if the plant is not growing as expected, you can add a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 during the early spring. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as it may promote leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to ensure continued blooming. Cut the flower stem back to the base of the plant once the blooming season is over. This promotes new growth and helps to prevent diseases. If the plant has become too dense, cut back the stems by a third in the early fall to encourage bushy growth the following year.
Propagation of Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis
Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division of established plants. Here's more on each:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for starting new plants of Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis. Seeds should be sown directly in the garden in late summer or early fall, before the first frost. The bed should be well-draining and the seeds pressed lightly into the soil to a depth of 1 inch. They take about 2 to 3 weeks to germinate, but can take longer depending on the conditions.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another propagation method for Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis. Take cuttings from the plant tip, making sure that they have at least two sets of leaves. Cut off the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a container filled with well-draining soil and placed in a warm, moist, and shaded location. They will root in about 2 to 3 weeks.
Division of Established Plants
Division of established plants is a technique used to propagate Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis that is already established in the garden. Start by digging up the plant, taking care to keep the roots intact. Divide the roots into several sections, each with at least one shoot and suitable root mass. Replant the sections in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing and water thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis
Lupinus horizontalis Heller var. horizontalis, commonly known as the dwarf lupine or the Kellogg's dwarf lupine, is a perennial species of lupine that is native to western North America. While it is generally a hardy plant, like any other plant, it is susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can affect its health and growth. Therefore, it is essential to be familiar with the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lupinus horizontalis is root rot, caused by fungi like Phytophthora and Fusarium. The symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To avoid root rot, avoid over-watering the plant and ensure that the soil has good drainage. Remove any infected plants immediately.
Another prevalent disease that can affect Lupinus horizontalis is powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni. Powdery mildew usually appears on the leaves and stems as a white, powdery substance, which can eventually lead to leaf and bud drop. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected plant parts and avoid overhead watering or high humidity levels. You can also use fungicides containing neem oil or potassium bicarbonate to prevent or treat powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Lupinus horizontalis is also prone to attack by several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and snails. Aphids and spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of leaves. To manage these pests, wash the plant with a strong jet of water regularly. You can also use insecticidal soaps or neem oil, which are effective in controlling aphids and spider mites.
Snails, on the other hand, are notorious for chewing leaves and flowers, leaving large, ragged holes on them. To manage snails, handpick them and remove them from the garden. You can also use baits containing iron phosphate, which is non-toxic to pets and humans, to control snails.
Conclusion
As with any other plant, preventive measures against diseases and pests are crucial to maintain a healthy and robust Lupinus horizontalis care. Regularly monitoring and taking prompt steps like removing affected plant parts, using organic pesticides, avoiding over-watering, and ensuring proper drainage can go a long way in keeping diseases and pests at bay.
