Flower Library
Lupins
Lupinus · Fabaceae
Lupins are the vertical stars of early summer: tall, narrow flower spikes in pastel palette. Classic in the English cottage garden, in modern floristry as the height element in bouquets.
- Season
- May – June – July
- Vase life
- 4–7 days
- Latin name
- Lupinus
- Colors
- Purple, Pink, White, Yellow, Blue, Bicolour
Season May to July. Short peak — lupin lovers must buy early.
Up to 80 cm tall — one of the tallest cut flowers for bouquets. As height element in bridal bouquets, as backdrop in meadow bouquets.
Caution: lupin seeds are toxic to humans and animals. Wash hands after handling.
Is Lupins toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs. Lupins contain alkaloids concentrated mainly in the seeds and seed pods. Possible symptoms include salivation, gastrointestinal upset, restlessness and difficulty breathing — keep bouquets out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, restlessness and in severe cases difficulty breathing — especially after eating seeds or pods.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut at an angle, into water immediately.
- 02Tall vase with plenty of water.
- 03Keep cool, no direct sun.
- 04Change water every 2 days.
Frequently asked
- Do lupins grow in Düsseldorf?
- Yes — common in gardens and on wasteland. Wild lupins are however invasive from North America.
- Are lupins suitable for weddings?
- May/June yes — as height element. Outside the season expensive as imports, often weaker visually.
- How long do lupins last in a vase?
- About 4 to 7 days. Cut at an angle, place in a tall vase with plenty of water and keep cool. The florets open from bottom to top — spent lower florets can be plucked off.
- Are lupins toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. Lupins contain alkaloids and are toxic to cats and dogs — most concentrated in the seeds and seed pods. Keep bouquets with lupins out of reach of pets.
- What do lupins mean in the language of flowers?
- Lupins symbolise happiness, imagination and optimism — a cheerful, confident message that suits early-summer occasions.