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.
