A scarcer colour
True red is less common than blue or pink in lupins, and in practice red types are brick, crimson or terracotta rather than scarlet. Breeders working on the Russell hybrids selected strong red and orange spikes, and cultivars such as 'My Castle' are sold for their brick-red flowers.
What to expect from red types
Red lupins bloom a little later than the blues in some strains, and their colour can darken or fade with sunshine and heat. In a hot spell the flowers shift towards bronze at the edges. They need the same cool, moist conditions as other lupins.
- Pair red lupins with silver foliage, grey-blue plants or yellow achillea.
- Provide morning sun and afternoon shade in Adelaide and the Perth hills.
- Mulch to keep roots cool, but keep mulch away from the crown.
- Water regularly in spring when the flower spikes are growing.
A note on the calendar
Flowering starts in spring, around October, and continues into early summer. In coastal Tasmania, spikes can last into January. In Brisbane and other humid regions, red lupins rarely survive beyond one season.
Safety and responsibility
All parts of garden lupins contain alkaloids, with the seeds being the main concern. Do not leave pods within reach of children, and cut flower spikes before pods mature. If someone swallows seeds, call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26. If your garden adjoins bushland, check state weed guidance before letting seed spread.
