Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus desiflorus) Texas Lupin Meadowflower Wildflowers Heirloom Flower

2 g
$3.50
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Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus desiflorus) Texas Lupin Meadowflower Wildflowers Flower

Annual

Height 2 ft

If you have visited the great state of Texas, specifically in late March to mid May, you would have noticed gorgeous blue lupin plants with pea like flowers growing wild throughout meadows. Texas Bluebonnets grow in most southwestern states and are one of the worlds most well known wildflowers. Also known as Texas Lupins, and Meadowflowers - in warmer climates plants are treated as perennials - in our colder areas, they are treated as annuals. 

Texas Bluebonnets have a sweet floral fragrance, reminiscent of a gardenia. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Also deer resistant.

Bluebonnets are not only blue and beautiful, but they also add nutrients to the soil; plants attract a bacteria called Rhizobium which converts nitrogen into a form suitable for the soil. This bacteria enriches the soil, increases plant growth, and makes the soil habitable for other plants. Excellent for mass plantings to create carpets of blue color; good for containers. 

  • Full to part sun
  • Well draining, sandy loamy soil
  • Start seeds indoors in the spring 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date -plants will bloom later in the summer. Plant 1/8 in deep; use biodegradable pots so as not to disturb the tap root when planting outdoors ( after all risk of frost has passed)
  • OR direct sow in the garden in late fall or early winter for blooms the following spring
  • Germinates: 14 to 60 days
  • Spacing: 12 to 24 in
  • After planting lupines, keep the soil evenly moist to ensure good root development. Once your plants are deeply rooted, they can tolerate drier conditions and will only need water during periods of drought. Applying a layer of mulch will help lock in soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Deadheading spent flowers will often encourage a second flush of blooms in early fall, especially in areas with cool summers.
  • Harvest: to encourage self-sowing, avoid deadheading and pruning and allow the flowers to form seed pods; gather seeds when pods are brown and dried. Store seeds in a cool dark place until planting out.
  • Once the foliage starts to yellow at the end of the season, you can cut perennial species back to the ground.
  • Seed count: 20