Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis)
Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) is a plant in the annuals and biennials category that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis).
This plant has several common names including: pearl lupin, tarhui or tarwi.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: pearl lupin, tarhui, tarwi
Scientific name: Lupinus mutabilis
Plant type: Annual / Biennial
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) – JoergLoeser1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Annuals and biennials are ideal for formal or informal flower beds, but also for growing in pots and containers of all kinds. They are important plants for their rapid growth, instant color and relatively low cost.
They are also useful plants for filling spaces between newly planted trees and shrubs, as well as in perennial beds that may need to be revived after the first spring bloom.
They are an important ingredient in country house gardens and wildflower meadows.
Other types of Lupinus to consider:
See all Lupinus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) is a plant that prefers to grow in loam or sand.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Lupinus mutabilis likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) – Michael Hermann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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