Thermopsis chinensis

Thermopsis chinensis is an original perennial of the large family of lupins, still little known and planted in gardens despite its many qualities. More floriferous than baptisia, and less rigid than lupin, this durable and undemanding Asian plant is also even easier to succeed in any garden soil that is not too poor. On a clump of glaucous and silvery trifoliate foliage, anthracite grey floral stems bearing slightly loose clusters shine with light yellow pea flowers during a long period, from spring to early summer. Plant this thermopsis in full sun, in the company of blue or white flowers; success is guaranteed!

Thermopsis chinensis, sometimes called Chinese False Lupin, is a herbaceous and rhizomatous perennial plant of the Fabaceae family. It is native to central and eastern China, and its natural habitat includes grassy slopes, open forests, but also riverbanks. In the garden, it is a tolerant and easy-to-care-for plant as long as it has sun or light shade and the soil is not too wet. Its deciduous foliage disappears in winter.

This Thermopsis forms a bushy clump reaching an average of 60cm (24in) in all directions within a few years. Flowering begins in May, sometimes as early as April depending on the climate, and continues for at least 2 months, until June-July. Above a bunch of leafy stems appear spikes of 20-25cm (8-10in), whose main stem is hairy and dark grey. It is adorned with very pretty dark grey-violet buds, which open into butterfly-like flowers in two shades of yellow. On the same spike, dark stems, prune-coloured buds, and soft yellow and sweet lemon-yellow flowers coexist, creating a very elegant display. After pollination by insects, the flowers give way to pods containing seeds that germinate easily when fresh. The foliage, which disappears in winter, is also very ornamental. It is composed of leaves that are slightly tinged with blue and grey, divided into three rounded leaflets, resembling those of alfalfa or clover. This perennial plant is capable of living for many years in the garden without any particular care once well established.

Thermopsis are close relatives of lupins and baptisias, which are much better known, but they are more floriferous than baptisias, less rigid in their posture, and much less demanding in terms of soil than lupins. They have very robust roots that allow them to live as long as shrubs in our gardens. They just need time to settle. The golden lupin will find its place in a natural and countryside border. It is superb in the company of white, orange, or blue flowers, allowing for numerous combinations according to the tastes of each gardener. For example, it can be combined with 'Ballerina' tulips or 'Orange Bouquet' tulips, both orange flowers. It also pairs well with herbaceous salvias such as 'Mainacht', 'Nepeta Six Hills Giant', or with a 'Pocahontas' penstemon.