Lupinus nootkatensis aka Nootka Lupine

Lupinus nootkatensis is extremely cold-hardy (surviving temperatures as low as -30°F) and tolerates a wide range of soil types. However, it is notably susceptible to slugs, lupin aphid, powdery mildew, and lupin anthracnose. PFAF notes it has nearly disappeared from gardens in some areas due to slug damage, despite thriving in wild environments. Success depends largely on pest management.

This species is remarkably cold-hardy, tolerating extreme winters with temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). It thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and is rated H6 by the RHS, meaning it's hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe. Native to Alaska and northern British Columbia, it's well-adapted to harsh, cold climates with cool, wet summers.

In early summer (May-June), Lupinus nootkatensis produces dense upright spikes of lightly scented, pea-like flowers. Blooms are typically blue and white but can also appear in pink, purple, or pure white. The flowers are arranged in whorls along hairy stems and are followed by characteristic hairy green seed pods. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming.

This species is hermaphroditic and primarily bee-pollinated. It is particularly valuable to bumblebees, with documented visits from White-tailed bumblebees, Small garden bumblebees, and Tree bumblebees. Research shows lupins support greater landscape bumblebee densities by blooming during a low point in floral resource availability (mid-June to early July), boosting colony success.

Yes, this is primarily an outdoor plant. It's extremely hardy (USDA zones 4-8, RHS H6) and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Native to Alaska and British Columbia, it tolerates harsh conditions including cool, wet summers and severe winters. Plant in south or west-facing positions. It can be grown in exposed or sheltered sites and demonstrates drought resistance once established.

The main pests are slugs, snails, and lupin aphid, which can cause significant damage. PFAF notes slugs are particularly problematic and have led to the plant nearly disappearing from some gardens. Disease susceptibility includes powdery mildews, lupin anthracnose, and various virus diseases. Young plants need protection from herbivory until established.

Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms, unless you want seeds to develop for propagation or self-seeding. The plant will self-seed readily and may spread rapidly in ideal conditions. Cut back foliage in autumn after it dies back. The plant is herbaceous and will regenerate from its rootstock each spring.

This species is a powerful nitrogen-fixing pioneer plant, making it valuable for soil improvement and land reclamation. It has been widely used in Iceland and Norway for reforestation, stabilizing slopes, and improving degraded soils. It can extract phosphorus from poor soils and accumulates nutrients dynamically. However, its aggressive spread has led to ecological concerns in some regions where it's now classified as invasive.

The seeds, roots, and seedpods are edible but require careful preparation due to toxic alkaloids. Seeds must be soaked overnight to leach out bitter alkaloids before cooking. Roots can be eaten raw or cooked but contain alkaloids that may cause intoxication if consumed in excess. PFAF rates edibility as 3/5, indicating moderate food value with proper preparation.

Yes, the flowers are lightly scented. RHS describes them as 'lightly scented, pea-like flowers' that appear in whorls on upright stems. The fragrance is subtle rather than strong, contributing to the plant's ornamental appeal alongside its colorful blooms.

In spring, protect young plants from slugs and provide water until established. During summer, water adequately during dry spells and deadhead spent flowers. The plant is herbaceous and dies back in autumn—cut back dead foliage after dieback. Being extremely cold-hardy, no winter protection is needed. It regenerates from its thick rootstock each spring, living 3-10 years.