In the foothills of the high country in the South Island (New Zealand) Lupins have found a home along the gravelly banks of braided rivers, thriving to the extent they actually have become something of a pest (due to habitat modification-another story altogether). But who could seriously begrudge the sight of lupins in various pastels growing en-mass, stunningly set off by the snow capped Southern Alps and turquoise waters of glacial fed streams.

The lupins on the nursery were potted on a few weeks ago and the palmate foliage triumphantly smiles out of its pot, as if to say thank-you. I look forward to lupins every year as they remind me my mother, who as far as I can see grows the best lupins. There is no real secret in it, except to say they want their soil rather light, not too full of nutrients and nor too compacted.

Some recommend to cut down flower stalks to stop seed development, which uses plant energy, perhaps more important when the plant is young, but it may also encourage a second later flourish of flowers. However its worthwhile noting that without George Russell’s breeding and selection of seedlings the lupin would not be what it is today. So if you like a bit of randomness in colours, let your lupins set seed and see what happens, or if taking the controlled approach cut down those flowers stalks! Either way, with the warming April soil, now is the time to get your lupins planted.