Origin
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant species that is native to North America. It is believed to have originated from the crossbreeding of the species Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Lupinus sericeus Pursh.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Silky Lupine or Pearl Lupine. Its scientific name is derived from the Latin word lupus, meaning wolf, due to the belief that Lupinus species deplete the soil of nutrients like a wolf depredating a flock of sheep. Additionally, the species epithet cymba-egressus refers to the plant's habit of developing a pod that bends and eventually splits open to release the seeds.
Uses
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) has various uses, depending on the regions of occurrence. The plant has been utilized traditionally by Native American tribes as food, medicine, and fodder for livestock. The seeds were ground into flour and used to make cakes, flatbreads, and porridge. The colorful flowers are also ornamental and are used in gardens and landscapes. Today, the plant is also known to have beneficial properties in soil conservation and restoration due to its ability to fix nitrogen into the soil.
General Appearance
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1-3 ft (30-91 cm) tall. The plant possesses a long taproot that enables it to obtain water and nutrients from deep in the soil. The leaves are palmately compound and range from 4 to 10 inches long, with each leaflet about 1 inch in length. The plant produces spikes of blue-purple flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The flowers possess a bilaterally symmetrical shape, with one banner or standard petal, two wing petals, and two fused keel petals that enclose the reproductive organs. The plant's fruits are 2 to 3 inches long pods that mature in the fall, splitting open to reveal smooth black seeds.
Growth Conditions for Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.)
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It thrives in several types of natural habitats, including beaches, cliff faces, and coastal scrub. To promote healthy growth and maximal flowering in cultivated gardens, the following growth conditions may be appropriate:
Light Requirements
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) grows best in areas with exposure to full or partial sunlight. In its natural habitat, this plant tolerates direct sun exposure and is often found in open areas where there is little shading. In a garden setting, Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) should be placed in an area with at least five hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) is hardy in zones 4 to 8, making it tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. However, it will not grow well in places that experience extreme heat. In a garden setting, temperatures of 60 to 75°F (15.5 to 24°C) during the day and 40 to 50°F (4.5 to 10°C) at night are ideal for promoting healthy growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. This plant is typically found in sandy or rocky soil types in its natural habitat, but it can also grow well in loamy soil. To promote healthy growth in a garden setting, it is recommended to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and soil structure.
Cultivation methods
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) is a beautiful plant that can be grown in both containers and gardens. When planting in gardens, select a location with well-draining soil and ensure that the soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5). The plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with hot summers. During the growing season, the plant requires moderate watering and regular weeding. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead spent flowers periodically.
Watering needs
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it cannot tolerate consistently wet soil. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to plant death. It is advisable to water deeply but infrequently to encourage root growth, and soil moisture should be monitored regularly with a soil moisture meter. In hot and dry seasons, increase the frequency of watering to maintain soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
The plant can benefit from periodic fertilization with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer application should coincide with the growing season, with the initial application at the beginning of the season and subsequent applications every six weeks. Apply the fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions, and ensure that the fertilizer granules are not in direct contact with the plant's stem. Remember to water the plant immediately after applying the fertilizer, which will prevent the fertilizer from burning the plant roots.
Pruning
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) does not require heavy pruning, but periodic light pruning can help maintain plant shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done after the blooming period, usually in mid or late summer. Trim back the stems that have finished blooming to encourage branching and promote new flower production. Ensure that the pruning tools used are sharp and sanitized to prevent the spread of any diseases.
Propagation of Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm.
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. is primarily propagated through seeds. However, it is also possible to propagate the plant through cuttings or division of the root ball.
Seed Propagation
The most common method for propagating Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. is through seed propagation. It is best to sow the seeds in well-draining soil after the last frost in the spring. The seeds should be planted just below the soil surface and kept moist throughout the germination phase. Germination typically occurs between 7 to 21 days.
It is important to note that Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. seeds have a hard seed coat. Thus, scarification may be necessary for successful germination. One way to scarify the seed is to lightly rub the seed coat with sandpaper or to soak it in hot water.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method for propagating Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. It involves taking a cutting, which is a piece of stem with a few leaves, and planting it in a rooting medium. The cutting should be taken from a healthy, mature plant, and it is best to take it in the spring or early summer.
After planting, the cutting should be kept in moist, but not waterlogged, soil. It is best to keep the cutting in a humid environment and to provide indirect light. After several weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Root Division
Root division is a method of propagation that involves dividing the root ball of an established plant into smaller sections, each with its roots and shoots. It is best to divide the plant during the dormant season, usually in the fall or early spring, when new growth has not yet started.
Each section should have at least two to three shoots and a portion of the root system intact. The divided plants can then be planted in new locations or pots and treated like mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.)
Lupinus ×cymba-egressus C.P. Sm. (pro sp.) or the "Baja lupine" is known to have a sturdy nature. However, it is not entirely safe from diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them effectively:
Diseases
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a common fungal disease that affects lupine plants. The fungus attacks the base of the plant, causing it to rot. One way to manage crown rot is to maintain proper drainage by not letting the soil become too waterlogged. Additionally, you can treat an infected plant by cutting away the infected parts and applying a fungicide.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the lupine plant, causing brown, water-soaked spots to appear. It spreads through spores that are easily transferred through rain and wind. The best way to manage anthracnose is by practicing good plant hygiene and removing any infected plants or plant parts promptly. Applying a fungicide can also help to manage anthracnose.
Pests
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that can jump from leaf to leaf, piercing the lupine plant's leaves and sucking out the sap. This can cause the leaves to brown and become deformed. You can manage leafhoppers by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that are often found on the underside of lupine plant leaves, where they will suck out the plant's sap. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plant with water to remove them or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular inspection of the lupine plant can help you detect any diseases or pests early and take appropriate action before they cause too much damage. It's important to maintain proper care and hygiene to keep the lupine plant healthy.
