Origin
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims, commonly known as Nootka lupine, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to North America, specifically the western coast of the continent from Alaska to California. It is also found in parts of northern Asia.
Common Names
Nootka lupine is commonly known by several names including tree lupin, dwarf lupin, and Nootka lupine. However, it is also referred to by different names in different regions the plant is found.
General Appearance
Nootka lupine is a deciduous perennial shrub that reaches heights between 1-3 feet and has a spread of 1-3 feet. The plant has long, green, and hairy stems that give it an upright, bushy appearance. The leaves are palmate, with five to ten leaflets that are oblong, sparsely hairy, and up to 2 inches long. The plant produces showy, fragrant, blue to purple flowers in cone-shaped clusters, which bloom in summer. The fruit of the plant is a legume that contains several seeds that are brown and oval-shaped.
Uses
The Nootka lupine plant has both ornamental and practical uses. It is commonly used in landscaping because of its beautiful blue and purple flowers and its ability to grow in a range of soil types. The plant is also used in erosion control and reforestation projects because it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Additionally, the seeds and leaves are used as a source of food for various animals, including birds and deer. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes, with various studies suggesting that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Light Requirements
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims typically prefer full sun to partial shade. Plants grown in partial shade may grow taller and produce fewer flowers compared to those grown in full sun. Thus, providing ample sunlight is crucial for the proper growth and development of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This Lupinus variety can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cool to moderate temperatures (approximately 15-25°C). High temperatures may inhibit flowering and cause the plant to die back, while frost or freezing temperatures may damage or kill the plant entirely.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the soil must not become waterlogged as it may lead to root rot. Thus, adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims is a shrubby plant that requires well-draining soil. When cultivating, it is important to plant the shrub in areas that receive partial to full sun exposure. This plant is hardy under USDA zones 4 to 8, hence it can withstand cold temperatures reasonably well.
Propagation of this plant is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be stratified and planted during the fall season for the best germination results. The shrub prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.6-6.5.
Watering Needs
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims is moderately drought-tolerant. However, the shrub needs adequate watering during the growing season. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss due to evaporation. A deep watering once a week is sufficient for the plant to thrive, and the soil should not be waterlogged as it may affect the root development. Patio container plants may need watering twice a week.
Fertilization
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims requires regular fertilization to maintain vibrant growth. Fertilization should be applied with a balanced fertilizer with similar nitrogen(N), phosphorous(P), and potassium(K) amounts (N-P-K: 10-10-10) at the beginning of the growing season, followed by once every month until the blooming period is over. However, too much nitrogen can cause the young growth to be lush and susceptible to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Pruning is recommended for Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims because it helps stimulate growth and enhances the overall health of the plant. However, pruning should be done either in the summer or fall months after blooming. The shrub needs to be pruned to control the plant's size and shape, promote air circulation within the plant, and remove any diseased, dying, or damaged branches. It is important to use appropriate pruning shears or clippers and observe safety precautions as some parts of the plant may be thorny.
Propagation of Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. fruticosus Sims, commonly known as the Nootka lupine, is an attractive perennial flowering plant that features striking blue, pink, and purple flowers. Propagation of this plant involves different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a popular method for the propagation of lupines. The best time to plant lupine seeds is during early spring, after the frost has passed. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to break their dormancy. They should then be sown a quarter-inch deep in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs in about two weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into the garden or larger containers.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating lupines. It involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to form new plants. The cuttings should be taken during the spring or summer when the plants are actively growing. The stems should be cut just below a node, and the leaves should be removed from the lower part of the cutting. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a warm, humid location until they develop roots, which usually takes around two to three weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation involves dividing the parent plant into several smaller sections, each of which can grow into a new plant. This method should be done during early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The plant should be dug up, and the root system should be carefully pulled apart to create smaller sections. Each section should have several roots and shoots. The divided sections should then be replanted immediately.
Disease Management
Lupinus nootkatensis var. fruticosus is susceptible to several diseases that can negatively affect its growth and productivity. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes lifeless areas on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation. It thrives in humid environments and spreads via splashing water or raindrops.
- Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes yellowing and drooping of leaves. The disease often progresses into wilting of the entire plant and is often fatal.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that leads to decay of plant roots. The plant may exhibit yellowing or wilting despite adequate water supply. The disease often arises from over-watering.
To manage diseases in Lupinus nootkatensis var. fruticosus, the following practices can be implemented:
- Practice crop rotation to minimize soil-borne infections
- Use disease-resistant or tolerant cultivars
- Use certified disease-free seeds
- Ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogging
- Apply fungicides or biological controls at the onset of symptoms or early in the growing season.
Pest Management
Lupinus nootkatensis var. fruticosus also attracts a range of insect pests that can adversely affect quality and yield. The most common pests that affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant leaves, leading to stunted growth and curling of leaves.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, sap-sucking pests, which often cause pale yellow or white spots on leaves. Severe infestation can result in defoliation
- Leafhoppers: These are small insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth.
To manage pests in Lupinus nootkatensis var. fruticosus, the following practices can be implemented:
- Use pheromone traps to monitor pests
- Practice crop rotation to reduce the build-up of pest populations
- Use insecticide sprays or biological controls to reduce pest populations
- Practice good sanitation, removing pest-infested plant debris and weeds around the planting area.
