Lupinus polyphyllus Minaret

The Lupin 'Minaret' or 'Minarette' is a variety of lupin that is not widely spread, and is appreciated for both its compact habit and vibrant colors. Its flower spikes are dense and large compared to the size of the plant. In this selection, the inflorescences can be solid or bicolored, with colours ranging from red, purple, pink, to lemon yellow. It is an excellent plant for border plantings and sunny flower beds, easy to grow in non-light and non-calcareous soils. 

The Lupinus Minaret is likely derived from Lupinus polyphyllus, a perennial plant native to North America. The Minaret selection is a herbaceous perennial with a lifespan generally not exceeding 4 or 5 years. Bushy and compact, it quickly forms rounded clumps that reach 50-55 cm (20-22in) in height when flowering and 50 cm (20in) in width. From late spring to the end of summer, it displays very dense floral spikes, reaching 30 cm (12in) in length, with a somewhat stiff appearance but remarkably graphic. They are adorned with pea-like flowers measuring 1 to 3 cm (0 to 1in), whose colour varies among plants. The foliage is a rich green and abundant, distinguishable from that of other legumes. The leaves are palmate, with at least 5 leaflets radiating from a single petiole. The fruits resemble flat, silky pods, often flattened and constricted between the seeds. The above-ground growth of this lupin is deciduous, emerging from the ground in spring and drying up in autumn. 

Hybrid lupins are very hardy plants that spread without aggressiveness, enriching the soil they inhabit and proving resistant to diseases. Their only weakness lies in their attractiveness to gastropods, which must be protected against. Perfect for poor and light soils, but lacking in limestone, perennial lupins thrive on slopes and readily self-seed in suitable gardens, producing a profusion of often fragrant spikes in rainbow colors. Soften their somewhat stiff silhouettes with plants with light foliage, such as fennels, or with rounded curves like roses and oriental poppies, in matching colours. They enjoy the company of hollyhocks, grasses, and peonies, creating beautiful and low-maintenance plantings.