Synopsis
Favoured for the array of mouth-watering colours which seemingly span the spectrum of the rainbow. Plains and increasingly bi-coloured or two-tone blooms are widely available in an ever increasing palette. There are hundreds of species lupins, including annual, perennial and tree lupins, but most of the garden cultivars can be tracked back to the work of 19th century breeder, 'King of Lupins', George Russell (1857-1951). Russell sowed literally thousands of seeds to create myriad plants, pollinated by bees - it was no more scientific than that. However he managed to hone down the seedlings and ultimately created around 30 cultivars which won him a Gold Medal at The RHS Vincent Square Flower Show in 1937. Russell brought lupins back to the limelight and his original cultivars are the basis of work continued by today’s breeders. Specialist lupin grower and nurserywoman Sara Conibear of Westcountry Nurseries has developed new blooms derived from original Russell seed. Her catalogue of lupins includes Violet/purple 'Masterpiece', apricot 'Towering Inferno', carmine 'Beefeater', two tone yellow/apricot 'Gladiator', Purple-yellow bi-colour 'Manhattan Lights', pretty pink and white 'Rachel de Thame', ruddy 'Terracotta' and pale capped lilac 'Persian Slipper'. Planting and cultivation information available on request.
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