Lupin Plants

Lupins are a classic cottage garden plant, loved for their tall spires of pea-like flowers in vivid shades of red, blue, yellow and white. These hardy perennials are easy to grow and quick to get going, adding height, texture and bold colour to borders from late spring into early summer. Plus, bees love them!

At Carbeth, we stock a lovely mix of lupin varieties – from colourful 'West Country' blends to single-colour perennials in pots, ready to plant. Whether you're looking to brighten a border or fill a new bed with pollinator-friendly flowers, lupins are a brilliant choice.

Plant Highlights

  • Supplied as healthy young lupin plants, ready to go straight into the garden
  • Tall flower spikes that sit above other plants and stop borders from looking flat
  • Perennial plants that die back and return the following year
  • Works well in cottage-style planting, mixed borders, and wildlife-friendly gardens
  • Colours include white, blue, red, and deeper shades, depending on the variety

Our Lupin Plants Collection

  • Lupin Plant: A dependable classic that settles quickly and produces upright spikes full of colour, perfect for traditional borders.
  • Lupin ‘West Country’ Plant Mix: A bold, characterful mix that brings variation and movement, ideal if you want a natural cottage garden feel.
  • Lupin Perennials Yellow: A warm, uplifting variety that adds brightness and contrast to softer planting.
  • Lupin Perennials White: A calm, elegant option that works beautifully alongside pastels and leafy greens.
  • Lupin Perennials Blue: A rich, timeless shade that anchors borders and pairs especially well with roses.
  • Lupin Perennials Red: A striking choice for gardeners who want a strong focal point without overpowering the space.
Plants for Pollinators Cottage Garden Plants Summer Bedding Plants

Why Choose Lupin Plants from Carbeth Plants?

Lupins can be temperamental if poorly grown, which is why we focus on quality first and appearance second.

  • Plants selected for sturdy growth rather than forced early flowering
  • Clear sizing information so you know what to expect at planting time
  • Stock chosen to suit real UK gardens, not showroom conditions
  • A range that works equally well for beginners and confident gardeners
  • Easy online ordering with careful UK delivery direct to your door

Seasonal Interest and Garden Impact

Lupins come into their own just as the garden begins to feel full and alive.

  • Upright flower spikes that add rhythm and structure to borders
  • Colours that sit comfortably alongside both soft and bold planting
  • Excellent companion plants for roses, delphiniums, and other cottage favourites
  • Flowering at a time when pollinators are most active and visible

How to Choose and Grow Lupin Plants

Lupins reward a little thought at planting time and very little fuss afterwards.

  • Choose an open, sunny position where air can move freely
  • Plant into well-drained soil to avoid water sitting around the crown
  • Keep young plants watered until they establish strong roots
  • Remove spent flower spikes once they fade to keep plants tidy
  • Allow enough space so plants can mature without competition

To build a layered border, lupins combine well with plants from our perennial plants and cottage garden plants collections.

Our Quality Promise and UK Delivery

Every lupin plant is checked by hand before it leaves us, because healthy starts matter.

  • Plants packed to protect roots and growing tips in transit
  • Quick, reliable UK delivery
  • Supplied in pots and ready to plant straight away
  • Grown and selected by experienced UK growers

Scroll below to choose your lupin plants and bring lasting summer structure to your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lupins are most often planted in borders where their height adds shape and interest. They work particularly well in cottage gardens and mixed planting schemes. Many gardeners also choose them for their value to pollinators.
Once the flowers fade, cut the spent spikes back cleanly. This keeps plants looking neat and can sometimes encourage a second flush. Leave the foliage to die back naturally.
Lupins are happiest in the ground where their roots can grow deeply. Large containers can work, but borders usually give stronger, longer-lived plants. Good drainage matters in both cases.
Yes, lupins are hardy perennials. When planted well, they return each year and often improve as they establish. Growth dies back in winter before reappearing in spring.
Most varieties reach between 60 and 100 cm tall once mature. Their height makes them ideal for adding vertical contrast among lower-growing plants.
Very much so. Lupin flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees throughout their flowering period. Including them helps support pollinators during early summer.