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Silver bush lupine

Lupinus albifrons

Description

The silver bush lupine grows into a rounded shrub growing 3-5 ft. tall with silky gray-green leaves. Blue to purple flowers grow on 8-12 in. long spikes from early to late spring. This highly adaptable California native lupine occurs across much of our state in grassland, foothill, valley and desert habitats where it is appreciated as part of the spring wildflower display. It has yet to become popular in residential gardens except by native plant enthusiasts. Its best performance occurs when planted in sunny locations on well drained soils and provided with periodic deep summer water. It grows well with other California native species in mixed shrub and wildflower plantings that endure summer heat, sun and extended periods of moisture stress.

Plant Type: Shrub, Native
Foliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Upright, Mounding
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage Color: Pale green
Flower Color: Purple, Blue
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil
Exposure Adaptations: Coastal salt air, All day sun
Function: Wildlife value, Flowering accent plant, Borders, Banks, Attracts butterflies
Height: 3 ft. – 5 ft.
Width: 4 ft. – 6 ft.

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