silvery lupine
Lupinus argenteus
silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12–36 in tall and 6–24 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 8.0/10.
Colorado nativeOn the CSFS firewise listmedium water12–36 in tall and 6–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Jay Brasher, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: (c) Whitney Brook Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: no rights reserved
- Photo 6: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 12–36 in tall and 6–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- blue
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is silvery lupine good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, silvery lupine is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does silvery lupine get?
- It matures to about 12–36 in tall and 6–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant silvery lupine?
- Space silvery lupine about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is silvery lupine hardy on the Front Range?
- silvery lupine is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does silvery lupine need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is silvery lupine native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is silvery lupine deer-resistant?
- silvery lupine is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is silvery lupine a good firewise plant near the house?
- silvery lupine is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does silvery lupine bloom?
- silvery lupine blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
