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Ornamental bulbs
Fabaceae
Ornamental bulbs
Van Noort
‘Tall Mix’ Tall Lupins
Lupinus
‘Tall Mix’ tall lupins combine three roots that may produce blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white, or bicoloured spikes. The exact selection varies between packages. Each clump reaches approximately 100 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Plant in spring beneath approximately 5 cm of light, humus-rich, very well-drained soil in full sun or bright partial shade. Space plants 40 cm apart and maintain even moisture during establishment. Flowers attract bees and butterflies and suit summer bouquets. Remove faded spikes for a possible second flush. Every part is harmful if eaten, so keep plants and seeds beyond the reach of children and pets.
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Discover the plant
Common name‘Tall Mix’ tall lupin mixture
FamilyFabaceae
GenusLupinus
CultivarTall Mix
TypeOrnamental bulbs
Botanical nameLupinus
‘Tall Mix’ Tall Lupins (Lupinus hybrids) combines three roots for a vertical group of perennial lupins in varied colours. Upright spikes carry numerous pea-like flowers that may be blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white, or bicoloured; the exact selection varies between packages. Van Noort lists an established height of approximately 100 cm and a spread of 50 cm. Green foliage divided into palmate leaflets forms a basal clump beneath the flowering stems. This mixture suits the back of perennial borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, and summer bouquets. The three roots create repetition while allowing several colours to appear within one coordinated group.
Plant the roots in spring in light, humus-rich, moist but very well-drained soil in full sun or bright partial shade. Set each crown beneath approximately 5 cm of soil and space plants 40 cm apart, following Van Noort’s specifications. Water deeply after planting, then keep soil evenly moist during establishment without saturating it. Lupins prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil and perform poorly in heavy clay, persistent humid heat, or standing water. Install discreet stakes early when the site is windy. A newly planted root may need time before producing its largest spikes. Keep the crown free from thick mulch and avoid disturbing its deep taproot.
In spring, protect emerging shoots from slugs and inspect stems regularly for lupin aphids. Remove faded spikes before seeds form to encourage a second flush and limit unwanted seedlings. Retain healthy foliage until it yellows naturally so the roots can rebuild reserves. Water at soil level and maintain wide spacing to reduce anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rots. Cut dry stems at the end of the season. Lupins are often short-lived perennials; excellent drainage and minimal division help extend their presence. Every part is harmful if eaten and toxic to pets. Wear gloves during handling, keep cut material beyond their reach, and never use seeds as food.
In the garden
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Bulbous perennial
- Hardiness
- Zones 4 to 8
Planting guide
Sowing & germination
Spacing / density
space plants or bulbs 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.).
Best planting time
In spring, after the risk of frost has passed
Propagation
Bare roots; seedlings are not true to the mixture, and basal cuttings are possible
Growing method
Unpack roots upon arrival and plant them promptly. Soak the roots briefly when they appear dry without leaving crowns submerged for long. Loosen a deep area and blend in a moderate amount of mature compost. Position each crown with buds facing upward, then cover it with approximately 5 cm of soil. Space plants 40 cm apart. Firm gently and water deeply. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment but avoid standing water. Install discreet stakes early in windy positions. Protect emerging shoots from slugs and inspect stems for aphid colonies. As the first spikes fade, cut them above a set of leaves to encourage a second flush. Retain the remaining healthy foliage until it yellows naturally. Water at soil level and remove leaves or stems showing anthracnose lesions promptly. In fall, cut dry debris and dispose of diseased material. Avoid moving established plants because their taproots tolerate transplanting poorly. Replace an exhausted clump with a new root in healthy, drained soil instead. Wear gloves, keep cut material away from pets, and never allow seeds to be mistaken for edible lupini beans. A durable label helps locate every crown during its first emergence and prevents accidental disturbance of the developing taproot.
Soil and care
Soil & care
Soil pH
pH 6.0 to 7.5
Care level
Easy
Watering
Water deeply after planting and keep soil evenly moist during establishment and spike development. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings, then irrigate at soil level in the morning. Established plants tolerate short dry periods, but spring drought may shorten the flower spikes. Avoid constantly wetting foliage and never leave the crown in saturated ground. Check moisture below the surface rather than watering on a fixed calendar.
Soil type
Light, humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist but very well-drained soil is best. Lupins prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions and perform poorly in chalky, heavy, or waterlogged ground. Loosen the area deeply to accommodate the taproot. Do not add excessive nitrogen because this legume may produce abundant leaves at the expense of flower spikes. Raised beds improve drainage where native soil is compact.
Fertilization
Blend mature compost into the soil before planting. In spring, add a thin layer around the clump without covering the crown. A low-nitrogen fertilizer may be used according to its label only when a soil test identifies a need. Avoid nitrogen-rich feeding, which promotes soft foliage and aphids at the expense of flowers. Stop feeding after the second flush so plants can prepare for dormancy.
Moisture
Moist but drained soil during growth, without stagnant humidity
Seasonal care
In early spring, remove excess mulch carefully and watch for emerging shoots, which are highly attractive to slugs. Install discreet stakes before stems reach their final height. Add a thin compost layer around clumps without burying the crowns. During growth, keep soil moist and water at ground level in the morning. Inspect leaf undersides, stems, and buds weekly for lupin aphids. Dislodge small colonies with a focused water spray and avoid insecticides during bloom. Also watch for brown spots, distorted stems, and sunken lesions associated with anthracnose; remove affected parts promptly and disinfect the tool. Cut faded spikes above a set of leaves to encourage a second flower flush and limit unwanted seedlings. Retain all healthy foliage. During extended dry periods, water deeply instead of superficially. After foliage yellows naturally, cut dry stems and remove diseased debris. Avoid dividing or moving established clumps. The following spring, replace only missing plants and change the location when a serious soil-borne disease persisted. Keep a record of colours that emerge from the mixture so companion annuals can be coordinated without relocating the lupins. In winter, maintain a light mulch after the ground freezes in exposed regions without piling damp material over crowns. At thaw, check drainage around every clump and release any collected water promptly. Healthy plants regrow from the base, so wait for new shoots to appear before deciding that a root needs replacement.
Container growing
Container growing
Recommended pot size
container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in.) deep, with drainage
Tall lupins perform best in the ground, but one root can grow in a deep container of at least 40 to 50 L and 45 cm depth. Use a heavy pot with open drainage holes, filled with a light, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral, very free-draining mix. Set the crown beneath approximately 5 cm of soil. Plant only one root in each large pot to preserve taproot space and airflow. Position the container in full sun and install a stake early. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry and empty the saucer. Feed lightly with a low-nitrogen product. Remove faded spikes to encourage a second flush. In winter, place the pot in an unheated sheltered position and insulate its walls against repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Keep the mix slightly moist, never saturated. Avoid frequent repotting because the taproot breaks easily. When the plant declines, replace it rather than attempting aggressive division. Wear gloves and keep seeds beyond reach. Check for aphids and slugs whenever the pot is moved near other plants. Rotate the container periodically for balanced light and secure tall stems to their support with soft ties. Open space around the pot improves air circulation and simplifies regular pest checks.
Bloom and dimensions
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in.)
Width / spread
10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in.)
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous foliage that becomes dormant after flowering
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Upright clump with tall vertical spikes
Fragrance
Subtle fragrance
Bloom period
Summer flowering, generally in early and midsummer. Tall spikes may be blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white, or bicoloured. Selection and exact timing vary among the three roots. Cutting the first faded spikes may encourage a smaller second flush later in the season. Flowering is strongest in bright light with even spring moisture and cool, drained soil. Newly planted roots may produce a lighter display while becoming established.
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
Combine lupins with hardy geraniums, catmint, lady’s mantle, bearded irises, delphiniums, peonies, and fine grasses. These plants extend the season and support the spikes without covering crowns. Choose companions that enjoy sun, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and constant drainage. Keep air space around stems for aphid and anthracnose inspection. Avoid aggressively dividing neighbouring plants near the taproots. Spring bulbs can flower nearby when planted far enough away to prevent root disturbance. Yarrow and bellflowers add contrasting flower shapes while allowing the tall lupin spikes to remain the composition’s main vertical feature.
Garden use
Back of a border, perennial bed, cottage garden, pollinator garden, cutting garden, and deep substantial container. Arrange the three roots in a triangle or line with 40 cm between them. Position plants near a path for observing bumblebees and cutting several spikes, but beyond the reach of pets. Flowers suit bouquets; no part is intended for eating. The mixture provides a multicoloured effect without guaranteeing one precise colour per root. Tall stems also form a seasonal screen behind lower perennials.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How should the three lupin roots be planted?
Plant in spring once soil is workable. Choose full sun or bright partial shade and light, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral, very well-drained soil. Soak dry roots briefly, then position each crown with buds facing upward. Cover it with approximately 5 cm of soil and space plants 40 cm apart according to Van Noort. Water deeply and mark every location. Keep soil moist during establishment without allowing water to collect. Avoid moving lupins afterwards because their taproots tolerate transplanting poorly. Install supports early in windy sites and protect emerging shoots from slugs. An early support also protects future flower spikes without damaging the crown.
Which colours are guaranteed in the mixture?
Van Noort describes this product as mixed colours but does not guarantee one precise colour for each root. Spikes may be blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, white, or bicoloured. The three plants may therefore produce different combinations from one package to another. Wait for the first flowering before assigning a colour to any root and use neutral labels during establishment. For a coordinated design, begin with white, violet-blue, or chartreuse companions, then adjust nearby annuals after the actual colours appear without moving established lupins. Flower timing may also differ slightly among the three plants. This variability is part of the natural appeal of the multicoloured package.
How can lupins produce a second flower flush?
As the first spike fades, cut it above a set of leaves before pods form. Continue keeping soil evenly moist and retain every healthy leaf. Excess nitrogen is not helpful; a thin compost layer and deep watering during dry periods are generally sufficient. A second flush is often shorter and lower than the first and depends on climate, root establishment, and plant health. Leave several stems while flowers remain useful to pollinators, but remove toxic pods before maturity. Do not cut into the basal crown, and clean the pruning tool between plants when disease symptoms are present. Bright light also helps the new flowering stems remain sturdy and upright.
How can lupins be protected from aphids and slugs?
Inspect emerging shoots every morning in spring and remove slugs by hand or use controls compatible with pets and the product label. Then check leaf undersides, stems, and buds weekly for large lupin aphids. A small colony can be dislodged with a focused water spray. Avoid insecticides during flowering to protect bees and butterflies. Keep plants spaced, remove severely affected tissue, and disinfect the tool. A weakened or distorted plant should also be checked for anthracnose instead of being treated automatically as a simple aphid problem. Continue monitoring after the first flower flush because colonies may rebuild on new shoots.
Are Tall Mix lupins edible?
No. This is an ornamental mixture and no part is intended for consumption. The RHS states that lupins are harmful if eaten and toxic to several pets. Seeds may contain alkaloids and must never be confused with specially selected and prepared edible lupini beans. Remove pods before maturity in gardens visited by children or animals. Wear gloves, keep bouquets and debris beyond reach, and wash hands after handling. If ingestion or symptoms occur, contact a poison centre, physician, or veterinarian and provide the name Lupinus. Keep the original label available so the ornamental product can be identified accurately during the call.
Wildlife and pets
Outils
Compostage et écologie
