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Lupin beefeater. Is it an annual or perennial?

BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
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Lupin beefeater. Is it an annual or perennial?

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  • BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
    I bought a lupin beefeater. It cost a bit. But I read somewhere that it's an annual! Is that true? Won't it overwinter and come back again next year ?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 8,841
    It's a perennial variety https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/248688/Lupinus-Beefeater/Details but they're apparently not the most long-lived. They do OK for me but I have light, slightly acid soil which is apparently what they prefer. Watch out for slugs on the new growth, and those nasty fat grey lupin aphids (squish them or blast with water the moment you notice any).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
    Thanks. I don't have much space in the border, can I grow it in a pot ? If yes, what kind of compost should I use. I have some john innes 3, can I use that ?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 8,841
    Better in the ground I would think. They have a tap root.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
    Ok. Will have to find some space. I have clay soil. Will that be ok ?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 8,841
    They apparently do prefer lighter soil. Maybe you could dig in some grit to lighten it a bit? Or if you really want to use a pot, make sure it's a good size, and deep. Also the flowers aren't all that long-lasting so really better in a border with other things that will take over later in the season.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
    I see. Thank you for your responses. 
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 651
    I have Lupins on clay and they do pretty well (not the same variety as yours though).
  • AlchemistAlchemist Posts: 268
    Same as @Crazybeelady. Have half a dozen lupins in clay. Every one of them has returned for the last 4 years. 
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I grow lupins on clay and they used to die every winter until I tackled the slugs because they were eating all the new growth before I could even spot it. However, the lupins don't last as well or as long as they would on lighter, drier soil so I save seed and grow some new ones every year as replacements.
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