Lupin: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Lupinus polyphyllus
Lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus, family Fabaceae) usually lasts 5–7 days in a vase. In season: Spring, Summer. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: line flower.
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Lupin
- Botanical name
- Lupinus polyphyllus
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Aliases
- None
- Native origin
- Australia, Mediterranean and the Americas
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Purple, Blue, Pink, White, Yellow
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring, summer
- Commercial supply
- Peak in spring, summer
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 5–7 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Tips curve upward if laid flat, so keep the spikes upright. The stems are hollow: handle gently, and expect the lowest florets to drop first.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Line flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Tips curve upward if laid flat, so keep the spikes upright. The stems are hollow: handle gently, and expect the lowest florets to drop first.
For florists
Try Lupin in a client design
We fill in the brief from this page. No stock yet? Load the sample flowers — Lupin included — and see a recipe, quote and preview image in about a minute. New shops get 30 free credits.
Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Tips curve upward if laid flat, so keep the spikes upright. The stems are hollow: handle gently, and expect the lowest florets to drop first.
- Lupin is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 5–7 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as lupin and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Gerbera daisy | Focal flower | 6–10 days |
| Iris | Focal flower | 4–6 days |
| Sweet flag (acorus) | Foliage | 7–14 days |
| Eucalyptus | Foliage | 10–14 days |
| Monstera leaf | Foliage | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When lupin is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canterbury bells | 5–8 days | Spring, Summer | None | — |
| Delphinium | 5–8 days | Spring, Summer | None | mildly toxic |
| Veronica | 5–7 days | Summer | None | — |
| Chinese iris | 3–6 days | Spring, Summer | Light | mildly toxic |
FAQ
How long does lupin last in a vase?
Usually 5–7 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is lupin in season?
In season in spring, summer; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep lupin fresh?
Tips curve upward if laid flat, so keep the spikes upright. The stems are hollow: handle gently, and expect the lowest florets to drop first.
What colours does lupin come in?
Naturally in purple, blue, pink, white, yellow (not counting dyed stems).
Is lupin toxic to cats or dogs?
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
What can I use instead of lupin?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Canterbury bells, Delphinium, Veronica, Chinese iris.
Related guides
In season at the same time
SunflowerHydrangeaTulipChamomileTree peonyPeony (herbaceous)Silver wattle (mimosa)Astrantia