Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell The Governor' – beautiful blue flower clusters for borders and cutting gardens

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell The Governor' is an impressive perennial from the renowned Russell series, known for its long, upright flower clusters in intense blue. This cultivar combines vigorous growth, winter hardiness, and long-lasting blooms, making it a real eye-catcher in borders, prairie gardens, and cutting gardens.

The deep blue color of the flower clusters adds a cool, elegant look to any garden and creates a beautiful contrast with yellow, white, or pink border plants. Moreover, Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell The Governor' attracts beneficial insects such as bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, contributing to a biodiverse garden.

Characteristics of Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell The Governor'

• Flower color: intense blue

• Height: 90–120 cm

• Flowering period: May – June, with the possibility of re-flowering when deadheading is removed

• Leaf: palmate, fresh green

• Winter hardy: yes

In the first year, the plant forms a sturdy rosette of leaves. In the second year, impressive flower clusters appear: long, vertical spikes abundantly filled with bright blue flowers. Thanks to its stately growth and abundant blooms, this Lupine is ideal as an accent plant or as part of a colorful group planting.

Location and care

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell The Governor' grows best in a sunny to lightly shaded spot in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It does not tolerate heavy or wet soil well. The plant is winter-hardy and can remain in the same location for several years.

Care tips:

• Sow directly in the open ground from March to June or start indoors for later planting out.

• Provide water during dry periods, especially in the first year.

• Remove faded flower clusters to encourage reblooming.

• Divide older plants to maintain vitality and flowering.

An additional advantage: Lupinus fixes nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for surrounding plants.

Application in garden and border

The blue Lupinus 'The Governor' is perfect for medium to tall borders, prairie gardens, and cutting gardens. The upright, blue flower clusters create an elegant contrast with shorter or pastel-colored plants. Ornamental grasses and green groundcovers create an airy backdrop, making the vertical clusters stand out even more.

Thanks to its sturdy stems, this lupine is also excellent as a cut flower. The flowers retain their shape and color for a long time in a vase, making them popular for bouquets, flower arrangements, and dried flowers.

Why choose Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell The Governor'?

✔ Beautiful blue flower clusters – elegant and striking in the border
✔ Long flowering period with a chance of repeat flowering
✔ Winter hardy and easy to maintain
✔ Attractive to bees, bumblebees and butterflies
✔ Ideal for borders, cutting gardens and prairie gardens
✔ Soil-improving through nitrogen fixation