Lupinus bicolor - Miniature Lupine

Species Name: Lupinus bicolor - Miniature Lupine

Species Description (from Calscape): Lupinus bicolor - Miniature Lupine is a petite annual wildflower, just 3 inches tall, showcasing clusters of blue and white spring blooms that may vary geographically to magenta or purple. This adaptable lupine thrives in full sun along the coast and part sun inland, preferring well-drained soil but tolerating various types. Often paired with California poppies, it is typically grown from seed, planted ¼ inch deep in the fall. Miniature lupine attracts numerous insects and serves as a host plant for the Arrowhead Blue butterfly, making it a charming and ecologically valuable addition to native gardens. From Calscape.

Grower: Heritage Growers

Amount of seed in packet: 10 grams

Other Names Used: Annual Lupine, Bicolored Lupine

Family: Fabaceae

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer (March to June) 

 Bloom Color(s): Purple, Blue, Lavender, White

Plant Height: 3-16 inches tall

Plant Width: 1 foot wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central Valley
• Sierra Foothills
• Sierra Nevada
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland

Ecological Benefits:

• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Groundcover

Habitat Type:

• Coastal Strand 
• Northern Coastal Scrub
• Closed-cone Pine Forest
• Douglas Fir Forest
• Yellow Pine Forest
• Red Fir Forest
• Lodgepole Forest
• Mixed Evergreen Forest
• Foothill Woodland 
• Valley Grassland
• Joshua Tree Woodland

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None for fresh seed. Older seed, increase germination with scarification or soaking in hot water