Origin
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. commonly known as pale-stalked lupine, is a native plant to North America and can be found growing in the western region of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Pale-stalked lupine is also known as spotted lupine, large-leaved lupine, and Washington lupine.
Uses
The plant has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for several ailments, including stomach problems and for stimulating the appetite. It also provides a vital source of food for various wildlife, such as deer, elk, and rabbits. The plant can also be used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its showy flowers.
General Appearance
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. is a perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It features large green leaflets with a palmate shape and grows in a clumped arrangement. The flowers are arranged in a tall spike and come in shades of pink, purple, and blue. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, and its fruit is a pod containing multiple seeds.
Growth Conditions for Lupinus Polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. Polyphyllus var. Pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm.
Light: Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. requires full sun to partial shade to grow. However, the plant will thrive and flower more prolifically with full sun exposure. It is best to avoid deep shade as the plant may become leggy with poor flowering.
Temperature: The plant prefers cool temperatures with an average temperature range of 55-65°F. It can tolerate below-freezing temperatures during winter and even some amount of frost in early spring. Warmer temperatures could affect plant growth negatively.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soils with neutral or slightly acidic pH levels between 6 to 7. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nitrogen. Sandy and loamy soil types are best for growth. Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. is sensitive to high levels of salt and alkaline conditions.
Water: The plant requires adequate moisture to grow optimally. However, it must not be overwatered. A constant or prolonged period of high soil moisture could lead to root rot conditions. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizer: Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. requires regular feeding to maintain optimal growth. It is best to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Cultivation methods for Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm.
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. can be grown in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to sow the seed in spring or autumn because the preferred temperature range for germination is between 59°F and 68°F (15°C and 20°C).
One thing to note is that this plant is short-lived and will need to be replaced every few years, so it’s a good idea to sow new seeds regularly.
Watering needs for Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm.
It is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist while the plant is establishing itself, but it does not like to be waterlogged. Once established, the plant should be watered only when the top 2-3 inches of soil becomes dry.
It’s important to note that this plant is reasonably drought-tolerant and can survive well in areas where there may be a lack of rainfall.
Fertilization for Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm.
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. does not require heavy fertilization, but it will benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil. You can add compost or well-rotted manure before planting. If you decide to add a commercial fertilizer, use a low-nitrogen one.
Pruning for Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm.
This plant does not require much pruning other than to remove any spent flowers. If you do decide to prune it, do so immediately after flowering. This will encourage new growth and potentially a second flowering period.
As you remove the spent flowers, be careful not to damage the foliage because that is where the plant gets its energy to grow and flower.
Propagation of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes (Heller) C.P. Sm. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes is through seeds. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist and the seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
It is recommended to sow the seeds in the late summer or early fall before the first frost. This timing allows the seedlings to become established before the winter season.
Division Propagation
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up mature plants and dividing the root system into several sections. Each section should have several shoots and a healthy root system.
The divided sections can then be transplanted into their desired location and should be watered regularly until they become established.
Cutting Propagation
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and planting it in a well-draining soil. The cutting should be kept moist and should be protected from direct sunlight until it forms roots and becomes established.
Cutting propagation is not the most common method of propagating Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes, but it can be a useful method for propagating specific cultivars or for propagating plants that are not producing viable seeds.
Disease Management
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that may affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes small, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems of the plant. The affected parts may turn brown and wilt away. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy all infected parts of the plant. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves of the plant. The plant may also exhibit stunted growth. To manage verticillium wilt, remove and destroy all infected parts of the plant. Crop rotation and soil sterilization are also effective measures to prevent the disease.
- Root rot: This fungal disease causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage root rot, remove and destroy all infected parts of the plant and improve the drainage of the soil.
Pest Management
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. ssp. polyphyllus var. pallidipes is also susceptible to attack by several pests. Some common pests that may affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause curling and yellowing of the leaves of the plant. To manage aphids, remove them from the plant by spraying it with a jet of water or by wiping them off with a cloth. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used.
- Leaf miners: These insects lay their eggs on the leaves of the plant. The larvae of the leaf miner burrow into the leaves, causing white or brown trails. To manage leaf miners, remove and destroy infested leaves. Insecticidal sprays can also be used.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves of the plant. They may also spin webs on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used.
